Expect Blackhawks' scoring woes to continue in Seattle

We split our sides Tuesday night in rather disappointing fashion. The Stars took care of business against the Red Wings. Unfortunately, the Rangers followed it up by blowing a 2-0 lead to the NHL's worst team before losing in overtime.

We'll take the split and set our sights higher with a couple plays for Wednesday's card.

The Capitals play low-event hockey. They generate very little offense, ranking 29th in shots per game, 30th in goals, and 30th in shooting percentage. They know they can't score and rely on structure and goaltending as a result.

When the Capitals win, it's generally on the back of goaltending. And when they lose? Their offensive outputs are nonexistent. Of the last 10 games the Capitals have lost, they've scored two or fewer goals in eight of them. They've cracked 30 shots just twice.

If they fall behind, they simply don't have the horses to break through against set defenses. They can't make something out of nothing and they don't have the shooters to convert the few chances they do get.

I expect the Avalanche to flex their muscles and get a lead in this game. When that happens, the Capitals - on the latter half of a road back-to-back - are going to have a miserable time generating opportunities.

I think Charlie Lindgren, who has been terrific this season, will keep the Avalanche to a reasonable number while Washington's offense continues to sputter. The total feels half a puck too high.

Bet: Under 6.5 (-130)

The Blackhawks are a horrendous team at the best of times. Without Connor Bedard, Taylor Hall, Anthony Beauvillier, and Tyler Johnson, among others, it's not surprising that they've sunk to a completely different level.

Excluding shootouts, they have scored one goal or fewer in six of the last seven games. The lone exception came against Ilya Sorokin - go figure - as the Blackhawks converted on four of their 24 shots in a game that needed overtime.

Chicago simply can't score goals right now, and I don't see that changing against a Kraken team that sits fifth in goals against per game since the calendar turned.

However, the Kraken are hardly an offensive juggernaut themselves, and they're missing a few of their best players. Matty Beniers is injured, Yanni Gourde is suspended, and Vince Dunn is not certain to return to the lineup on Wednesday. Even if he does, Seattle's offense is still nothing to write home about.

Petr Mrazek, whose strong play Chicago just rewarded with a two-year contract extension, is plenty capable of keeping the Kraken to a manageable number.

Mrazek has saved 7.5 goals more than expected this season, putting him ahead of notables like Igor Shesterkin, Juuse Saros, and Jake Oettinger. If Mrazek can hold his own against this banged-up Kraken team, I don't think the Blackhawks can score enough to push this game over the number.

Bet: Under 5.5 (-105)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.

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