At the onset of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Bruins were a hot item with the Stanley Cup betting odds. Since acquiring former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, Boston has been a new team. Hall gives the Bruins two legitimate lines. Thus, opposing teams can’t load up on shutting down their top line. Washington finished ahead of the Bruins in the East Division standings. However, the Capitals were sluggish down the stretch. Alex Ovechkin was hampered by injuries most of the season. And the Capitals remain a part-time defensive club.
East Division First Round Playoff Series
Bruins vs. Capitals Odds at SBG
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | -155 |
| Washington Capitals | +125 |
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals Playoff Series Schedule
- Monday, May 17: Bruins at Capitals, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN)
- Wednesday, May 19: Capitals at Bruins, 6:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN)
- Friday, May 21: Capitals at Bruins, 6:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN)
- Sunday, May 23: Bruins at Capitals TBD
- Tuesday, May 25: Capitals at Bruins TBD
- Thursday, May 27: Bruins at Capitals TBD
- *=If Necessary
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals SBG Odds Overview
Of course, the Bruins remain one of the most popular NHL teams on the sports betting board. Boston’s strong finish combined with Washington’s inconsistency makes them understandable chalk.
Boston Bruins Team Overview
Overall, the Bruins finished 33-16-7 and 22-31 under the total. Boston ranked 14th for goal scoring and 10th for power-play efficiency. Defensively the Bruins were 6th for goals against and 3rd for penalty killing.
Washington Capitals Team Overview
Washington compiled a regular-season record of 36-15-5. And then the Capitals went 31-22 over the total. Washington ranked 5th for goal scoring and 3rd for power-play efficiency. Counter to that were rankings of 18th for goals against and 6th for penalty killing.
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Betting Trends
- Boston got the money in seven of their most recent eight home games
- Only one of the Bruins last six home games went under the number
- On the road, the Bruins were 15-9-4
- Late on, the Bruins are 2-5 in their most recent seven away games
- Five of their last six road tilts stayed under the total
- Washington has an 8-4 record in their most recent 12 home games
- Six of their last seven home tilts went under the total
- Washington got the cash in nine of their most recent 11 away matchups
- Only one of their previous eight away games stayed under the total.
- Overall, Boston is 6-5 in their most recent 11 games with the Capitals
- Only two of the last six in this series stayed under the total
- Washington is 5-2 on home ice against the Bruins
- Five of the previous six in this series at Washington stayed under the total
- The Bruins are 3-2 at TD Garden when hosting the Capitals
- Only one of the most recent five games in this series at Boston stayed under
Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals SBG Free Picks
In this situation, the Bruins bring comparable goal-scoring but vastly superior defense with the NHL Playoff betting odds. Washington won the 2018 Stanley Cup when they were fully committed to defense. Those days ended when coach Barry Trotz departed for the Islanders. Boston is the more complete team in this matchup. In turn, the Taylor Hall trade was a masterstroke.
SBG Best Bet: Boston Bruins.