The set-up: Washington went into the All Star game losing seven straight, but it's come out and won four of six. That includes an impressive 5-1 road victory at San Jose on Thursday. After breaking a seven game slide with a 1-0 win over Vancouver, the Ducks predictably fell in a 3-0 loss to the Bruins immediately after. The Ducks look poised for another letdown here in my opinion vs. the suddenly surging Capitals.

The pick: Anaheim has in fact been outscored by a whopping 40-9 over its last nine games, going 1-8. Additionally note that the Ducks are 0-5 in their last five as an underdog in the +150 to +200 range, while the Capitals are 15-4 in their last 19 after allowing two goals or less in their previous contest. This line could/should be much higher in my opinion. Lay it.

8* play