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Slowly but surely, the Ottawa Senators are starting to trend in the right direction. After a splashy offseason, the Sens got off to an abysmal start to the campaign but have started to course correct thanks to a 9-4-2 record in their last 15 games.

Ottawa will look to continue its good form on Thursday, but the Sens are a considerable underdog in Washington against the Capitals.

As strong as the Sens have performed of late, few teams have been able to match what Washington has put together over the last month. The Caps are 13-3-1 with a +25 goal differential over their last 17 contests and have vaulted themselves into the No. 3 spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Washington’s underlying metrics show that this run has been no fluke, either, as the Caps have skated to a 55.8 percent expected goals rate over that span.

Everything looks to be pointing in the right direction for Washington, but as a bettor that can only mean one thing: It’s time to sell high. This is likely the high-water mark for the Caps in the market, especially after a splendid win over the Rangers on the road on Tuesday.

Ottawa is always a decent bet as a big underdog because of its scoring talent and you’re going to get a great price to go against Washington, so don’t be afraid to step in front of the red-hot Capitals.

Senators vs. Capitals pick: Senators +140 (BetMGM)