A pair of the top teams in the league, the Washington Capitals (first in the Eastern Conference at 22-8-2) and the Los Angeles Kings (fourth in the Western Conference at 19-9-5), square off on Sunday, December 22 at 5:00 PM ET on ESPN+.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Before watching this matchup, here's our pick for which squad will emerge victorious in Sunday's hockey action.

The Kings are 7-1-2 over the past 10 games, totaling 34 total goals (two power-play goals on 19 power-play opportunities during that time, for a conversion rate of 10.5%). They have allowed 20 goals to their opponents.

Capitals vs. Kings Predictions for Sunday

Our computer projections model for this game calls for a final result of Capitals 4, Kings 2.

Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-140)
Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
Spread Pick: Pick Em

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Capitals Splits and Trends

The Capitals are 22-8-2 overall and 3-2-5 in overtime contests.
Washington has 16 points (7-3-2) in the 12 games it has played that were decided by one goal.
In the three games this season the Capitals registered only one goal, they finished 0-2-1.
Washington finished 1-4-0 in the five games this season when it scored exactly two goals (registering two points).
The Capitals have scored three or more goals in 23 games (21-1-1, 43 points).
In the 11 games when Washington has scored a lone power-play goal, it registered 16 points after finishing 8-3-0.
In games when it has outshot opponents, Washington is 16-4-0 (32 points).
The Capitals have been outshot by opponents 12 times, and went 6-4-2 (14 points).

Kings Splits and Trends

The Kings (19-9-5 overall) have posted a record of -5-5 in matchups that have required OT this season.
In the 10 games Los Angeles has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 14 points.
This season the Kings recorded just one goal in four games and they finished 0-3-1 in those matchups.
Los Angeles has six points (2-5-2) when scoring two goals this season.
The Kings have scored three or more goals in 19 games, earning 36 points from those contests.
This season, Los Angeles has scored a single power-play goal in 10 games has a record of 9-0-1 in those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Los Angeles is 13-7-2 (28 points).
The Kings have been outshot by opponents in nine games, going 5-2-2 to record 12 points.

Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

Team Stats Comparison

The Jason Smith Show with Mike Harmon