In the central match of the game day, an intriguing confrontation awaits us, Colorado will go to visit Washington. The start of the game of these teams is scheduled for October 20 at 02:00 Moscow time. Our portal has prepared its forecast for this confrontation for you.
Washington Capitals
The lack of free money does not allow the team to properly strengthen the squad, and the former leaders are getting older every year and are not getting stronger. Now Washington no longer looks like a contender for the title, even though it should go to the playoffs due to experience and individual skill. In the opening games, the Capitals performed well, beat the Rangers at home, but after that they lost to Tampa Bay in an equal fight in overtime.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado players had an extremely powerful last season, but they lacked experience and cold calculation in the playoffs, which led to the departure from Vegas. The management's decisions in the offseason were controversial and clearly did not strengthen the team, which lost its main goalkeeper and a number of strong defensive players. It will be hard for the Avalanches to surpass the success of last year, although they started quite cheerfully, beating Chicago in the first match, but after that they could not do anything with St. Louis, losing 3:5.
Injuries and disqualifications:
- Injuries:
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Washington - Backstrom (hip injury).
Colorado - French (upper body injury), Taves (shoulder injury), Nichushkin (lower body injury), McKinnon (illness).
Statistics and figures
- The last match between these teams ended with a victory for Washington with a score of 2:3.
- Washington has lost only twice in its last five games.
- Colorado has a bad streak of six consecutive defeats on the road.
Forecast
It is difficult to single out a favorite in this match, because both teams have strong lineups. Washington has been looking good lately and showing powerful hockey, and Ovechkin is in good shape. In turn, "Colorado" alternates between victories and defeats, having an overcrowded infirmary. I think the victory here will go to the hosts.