We’re betting management around the NHL will have their eyes on Friday’s matchup between Atlanta and Washington, as two of the most exciting players in the league could be in play. One, however, may not even make it to this game.

Thrashers vs Capitals odds – Friday, February 5, 7:00 PM ET

Ilya Kovalchuk is the biggest trade bait on the market right now, and there are plenty of teams that could use a 50-goal player on the wing. Kovalchuk has never reached the playoffs with the Thrashers, who are asking for a king’s ransom for their star. Ironically, Los Angeles looks like they could land him, along with Philadelphia, Boston, and the New York Rangers.

Alex Ovchekin and the Capitals had won 10 in a row ahead of Friday’s trip to New York to face the Rangers, and during that streak, the Washington captain has eight goals and 12 assists. The Capitals have to be considered one of the Stanley Cup favorites at this point, and their defense has even improved.

NHL odds should favor the Capitals at home, where they are 21-3-3, and the Thrashers could be distracted by all the trade talk surrounding their captain. It would be great to see Ovechkin and Kovalchuk, who are expected to lead Russia at the Winter Olympics, going at it on Friday, and if Kovalchuk is still in town, NHL betting fans could be in for one thrilling matchup. The Capitals have won eight of their last 10 against the Thrashers, and they should make it nine out of 11 on Friday.

NHL picks: Washington