Washington vs Calgary: The Flames will put up a great resistance against the Capitals

Washington defeated New Jersey on the road and will now take on Calgary at home. The Flames picked up their first win of the season, beating Detroit. Will Darryl Sutter's team be able to give the Capitals a hard time? There are several options to bet on.

Washington is a club of Russians

The start of the new championship turns out to be successful for the Capitals. Peter Laviolette's team has 3 wins in regulation time and only one loss in overtime – from the reigning champions Tampa Bay Lightning.

The main factor of their success is the phenomenal play of Russian stars Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov. In the game against New Jersey, which ended with a confident 4-1 victory for Washington, the attacking duo showed themselves once again. Kuznetsov scored and made an assist, while Ovechkin made two assists. Also there was defenseman Dmitry Orlov who scored a goal.

Calgary will improve

There is almost no doubt that the Flames will get stronger under the leadership of the legendary Darryl Sutter. An important factor in the team's development could be the away win over Detroit, which Calgary got in the run-up to the meeting in Washington. The Flames, thanks to the efforts of Mangiapane and Lindholm, scored two goals in the first period and confidently brought the game to a winning end. The final score was determined by Matt Tkachuk, who hit an empty-net goal. The Flames won 3-0, a very high-quality win. Not to mention 33 saves and Jacob Markström's first shutout of the season. 

Injuries

• Washington: Nicklas Bäckström is out;
• Calgary: Connor Zary, Michael Stone, Brad Richardson – not playing. Tyler Pitlick – questionable.

Head-to-head encounters

Washington has beaten Calgary 4 times in a row.

Expert Betting Tips

Washington looks very strong at the start of the championship, especially in terms of offensive play, the foundation Ovechkin and Kuznetsov, who are in great form. But Calgary is also a strong team, which will surely improve from game to game. The Capitals are likely to beat the Flames, but it's not certain that they'll get away with it and be able to finish the game within regulation time. In response to the offensive might of the Capitals, the Flames have the resource to answer with their offense. Johnny Gaudreau hasn't scored yet, having made 4 assists. It's high time!

Prediction: Total Over.

Betting options:

• Each Team Will Score Over 2.5 for 2.60;
• Calgary Individual Total Over 2.5 for 1.72.