Vegas Golden Knights vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions November 17th 2024

Golden Knights Host Capitals in Quick Home Stop

The Vegas Golden Knights (13-4-0) return to T-Mobile Arena on Sunday for a brief respite during a grueling road-heavy schedule. After sweeping a two-game trip against the Anaheim Ducks and Utah Hockey Club, the Pacific Division leaders look to maintain their dominance at home against the Washington Capitals (10-5-1).

Vegas Golden Knights: Regaining Momentum

The Golden Knights boast an 8-1-0 home record, but their last outing at T-Mobile Arena resulted in a rare 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. They rebounded quickly on the road, notching wins in Anaheim and Salt Lake City.

Against Utah on Friday, Vegas showed resilience after falling into a 2-0 deficit. Tomas Hertl powered the comeback with two power-play goals, while William Karlsson delivered the game-winner with just over a minute remaining and sealed it with an empty-netter.

Goalie Adin Hill was instrumental, making 32 saves, including a stellar 15-save first period that kept the Golden Knights within reach.

“We stuck with it and eventually we got rewarded,” Karlsson said. “We don’t like to give up in here, and then when you have a good goalie, too, that helps a lot.”

Vegas’ power play, a point of emphasis this season, played a pivotal role in the win, marking a shift toward special teams effectiveness.

Washington Capitals: Riding High After Colorado Win

The Capitals are coming off a statement 5-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, where they held Colorado to a season-low 19 shots on goal and kept Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon without a shot for the first time in nearly a year.

Connor McMichael continued his strong start with two goals, bringing his season total to a team-leading 12 goals. Alex Ovechkin contributed an assist, reaching 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) on the season and joining Gordie Howe as the only players 39 years or older to score 20 points in the first 16 games of a season.

Washington’s defensive play, led by forward Pierre-Luc Dubois, was particularly impressive. Dubois’ ability to neutralize MacKinnon’s line drew praise from head coach Spencer Carbery.

“It wasn’t just one line. It was our entire lineup that had to play against those guys and did a phenomenal job,” Carbery said.

Key Matchups

Vegas’ Offense vs. Washington’s Defense

The Capitals’ ability to shut down elite scorers will be tested against Vegas’ deep offensive roster. The Golden Knights have relied on balanced scoring, with contributions from all four lines, while Washington’s defense has tightened up in recent weeks.

Adin Hill vs. Washington’s Attack

Hill’s strong performance against Utah highlighted his ability to withstand early pressure. With Connor McMichael and Alex Ovechkin leading Washington’s attack, Hill will need to stay sharp to give Vegas a chance to control the game.

Power Plays

Special teams could be decisive, with both teams coming off strong performances on the man advantage. Vegas’ power play came alive against Utah, while Washington’s penalty kill was instrumental in neutralizing Colorado’s high-powered offense.

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Outlook

The Golden Knights return to a friendly home crowd looking to regain their form at T-Mobile Arena, while the Capitals aim to carry momentum from their strong showing in Colorado. With both teams in the thick of the playoff hunt early in the season, Sunday’s clash promises to be a competitive and entertaining matchup.

Prediction: Golden Knights 4, Capitals 3 (OT)