Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions December 17th 2024

Capitals Look to Bounce Back Against Chicago

The Washington Capitals will aim to rebound quickly as they wrap up back-to-back road games against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Despite a tough 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Monday, the Capitals remain atop the Eastern Conference and are eager to regain their momentum.

Washington’s Road Streak Ends, but Confidence Remains

Monday’s loss snapped Washington’s franchise-record 10-game road winning streak, but the team has plenty to build on. Before facing Dallas, the Capitals had outscored their opponents 13-6 over a dominant four-game winning run.

Dylan Strome provided Washington’s lone goal, continuing a reliable strategy that has worked all season: deflecting shots from the point.

“Try to get a high tip because it’s tough for the goalie to pick it up, you know,” Strome explained. “We talk a lot about getting to the net… All of our ‘D’ gets their shots through, and that’s been a huge reason why we’ve scored this year.”

Without star forward Alex Ovechkin, who’s been sidelined for a month with a fractured left fibula, the Capitals have found new ways to score. Coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the importance of persistence in front of the net.

“We need to continue to find ways to score on the interior… Those are hard goals to score, but they’re imperative goals to score, especially against good teams,” Carbery said.

Chicago Finds Resilience in Young Talent

The Blackhawks have won two of their last four games and are chasing their second two-game winning streak of the season. Their most recent victory—a gritty 5-3 win over the New York Islanders—showcased the team’s ability to respond under pressure.

The Islanders tied the game early in the third period, but Connor Bedard delivered when it mattered most. His game-winning goal with just 54 seconds left sealed the victory, followed by an empty-netter for good measure.

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Interim coach Anders Sorensen praised the team’s poise and determination, particularly the younger players stepping up in key moments.

“We did bend a little bit, and we were teetering a little bit, but give the guys a lot of credit,” Sorensen said. “The composure on the bench was really good… A lot of young players kept their composure and kept making plays when the game was on the line.”

Bedard’s Emergence Leading the Charge

Connor Bedard continues to shine for Chicago, showing flashes of the star he’s expected to become. With a goal and an assist against the Islanders, Bedard now has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last five games.

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The 18-year-old credits his success to Sorensen’s system and the added aggressiveness the team has embraced.

“I feel like he’s been really good with me kind of one-on-one, helping me out,” Bedard said. “We’re playing a little more aggressive, which obviously benefits the offensive side. But, you know, I like to think I can make plays and produce, and that’s what I want to do.”

Key Players Missing

Both teams faced roster challenges due to illness in their most recent outings. Chicago’s captain, Nick Foligno, missed Sunday’s game against the Islanders, while Washington’s Andrew Mangiapane was absent on Monday. Their availability will be a key factor in Tuesday’s matchup.

The Road Ahead

Washington will be looking to regroup and reclaim their winning formula on the road, while Chicago hopes to build on their recent spark. The Capitals’ strong defensive play and net-front presence will clash with the Blackhawks’ youthful energy and emerging confidence.

It’s a game of redemption for Washington and resilience for Chicago—two teams with something to prove.