The Washington Capitals (25-10-2, first in the Eastern Conference) and the Minnesota Wild (23-11-4, third in the Western Conference), square off on Thursday, January 2 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+.

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Before watching this matchup, here's a glimpse at which squad we think will emerge with the victory in Thursday's action on the ice.

Over the last 10 contests, the Wild have gone 4-6-0 while scoring 22 total goals (five power-play goals on 26 power-play opportunities during that span, for a conversion rate of 19.2%). They have allowed 34 goals.

Capitals vs. Wild Predictions for Thursday

Our computer model for this contest expects a final tally of Capitals 4, Wild 2.

Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-148)
Total Pick: Over 5.5 (computer predicts 6 goals on average)
Spread Pick: Capitals (-1.5)

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Capitals Splits and Trends

The Capitals (25-10-2 overall) have a 3-2-5 record in contests that have required overtime.
In the 12 games Washington has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 7-3-2 record (good for 16 points).
In the four games this season the Capitals scored just one goal, they finished 0-3-1.
Washington finished 1-5-0 in the six games this season when it scored a pair of goals (registering two points).
The Capitals have scored at least three goals in 26 games (24-1-1, 49 points).
In the 15 games when Washington has scored a lone power-play goal, it registered 22 points after finishing 11-4-0.
In games when it has outshot its opponent, Washington is 16-4-0 (32 points).
The Capitals have been outshot by opponents 15 times, and went 8-5-2 (18 points).

Wild Splits and Trends

The Wild have posted a record of 5-4-9 in overtime games to contribute to an overall mark of 23-11-4.
Minnesota has earned 18 points (8-3-2) in its 13 games decided by one goal.
Across the 11 games this season the Wild finished with only one goal, they have earned four points.
Minnesota has two points (1-1-0) in two games this season when it has scored exactly two goals.
The Wild have earned 44 points in their 24 games with at least three goals scored.
Minnesota has scored a lone power-play goal in 14 games this season and has registered 20 points from those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Minnesota is 11-3-2 (24 points).
The Wild's opponents have had more shots in 22 games. The Wild went 12-8-2 in those contests (26 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

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