Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Vegas Play of the Day: Washington Capitals at Minnesota Wild

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Steve Marcus

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save as Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) takes a shot on goal during the second period of Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena Thursday, June 7, 2018.

The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

Washington Capitals plus-125 at Minnesota Wild: $380 to win $475

On a day where there’s not a lot to like on the betting board, I’ll try to buy relatively low on the defending champions. Washington has lost two straight and four out of its last six, as opposed to Minnesota’s three-game win streak and 5-1 record over its last six, but the road team still has far more high-end talent.

A team with the likes of Evgeny Kuznetsov, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom is always worth a look as this big of an underdog. Starter Braeden Holtby isn’t expected in goal tonight, but Pheonix Copley is a decent prospect who can hold his own.

It’s not as if the Minnesota offense is all that threatening. The Wild are right in the middle of the NHL in goals, but their underlying metrics indicate they’ve been a little lucky to score that consistently.

Over the years, Washington has shown an ability to raise its game and pick up a win when it needs one. And it may very well need one to prevent a slide.

The price is high enough to take a shot with the Capitals.

Current Standings: Keefer (15-13-2, $9,031), Brewer (7-11-1, $6,500), Grimala (10-10, $5,905)

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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