Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
(NHL) Washington vs. Chicago,
Money Line: -180.00 Chicago (Home)
Result: Loss
1* free play on the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off an impressive 5-0 win at Montreal on Tuesday. The Washington Capitals fell in overtime against the Flames on the same day, recording a fifth consecutive loss and have conceded four goals or more in all of these games. I think they will struggle tonight as well and that the home team is worth the price in this encounter.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Chicago D - Corey Crawford saved 28 shots and recorded his 11th career shutout on Tuesday. His 1.54 GAA over seven games is a big reason why the Blackhawks rank among the league's best in goals against, conceding only 23 goals over 13 games. Their penalty kill has been excellent, killing off 92.7% of their penalties for three goals allowed with a man down total.

2. Home Cookin' - The Blackhawks are posting a respectable 4-2-1 record at home for the season. They were one of the better home teams in the league last season as well, winning 27 of their 41 games at United Center. The home team have been favored in recent match-ups between these two teams, with the hosts taking down all of the last four.

3. X-factor - The Blackhawks are averaging nearly 38 shots per game for a league high, and whoever will tend the goal for the visitors tonight (Holtby or Peters) will be peppered with shots.

Selection: This is a play on the Chicago Blackhawks (Free)