Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The Washington Capitals face the Pittsburgh Penguins with both teams having promising seasons. The Capitals have a 17-11-6 record and are in the middle of the Metropolitan Division but have lost four games in a row while the Penguins have an 18-13-4 record but with three wins in a row, they have leaped out of the bottom of the division. Both teams look to improve in the division and the Eastern Conference and the upcoming game should be a great one as a result.
We have the best NHL Predictions sure to provide a great payout.
Capitals hope offense improves
The Capitals are having a promising season but hope their offense improves, scoring only 2.29 goals per game with only five goals in the last four games. Dylan Strome and Alexander Ovechkin have scored 20 goals and 22 assists to lead the top line but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only four skaters have seven goals or more and opponents can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has stepped up, allowing only 2.79 goals per game. John Carlson and Rasmus Sandin have combined for 4.2 defensive point shares and 137 blocked shots while Nick Jensen, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Martin Fehervary have combined for 4.1 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Charlie Lindgren has stepped up with a .928 save percentage and a 2.27 goals-against average on 446 shots with 11.3 goals saved above average.
Penguins defense is turning season around
The Penguins have rebounded in recent games with their offense starting to improve, scoring 3.00 goals per game including 14 goals in the last three games. Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, and Evgeni Malkin have scored 50 goals and 57 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has stepped up as well. Reilly Smith, Drew O'Connor, and Lars Eller have combined for 18 goals and 24 assists while defensemen Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang have added nine goals and 37 assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has been great but the defense has carried the Penguins, allowing only 2.63 goals per game with only three goals in the last three games. Marcus Pettersson and Erik Karlsson have combined for 5.7 defensive point shares and 99 blocked shots while Kris Letang and Ryan Graves have combined for 4.9 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. Additionally, goaltender Tristan Jarry has been great with a .916 save percentage and a 2.47 goals-against average on 655 shots with 8.7 goals saved above average.
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Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Rating:
The Capitals are looking to pull off the upset but the Penguins have looked great in recent games and look to control this game from the first period. The Penguins, who average 3.00 goals per game, should create plenty of scoring chances with Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. The Penguins, who allow only 2.63 goals per game, should limit the Capitals offense, which averages only 2.29 goals per game, with Marcus Pettersson, Erik Karlsson, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Tristan Jarry to make plenty of big saves. The Penguins should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.
Take the Penguins money line as home Favorites.
Prediction: Penguins (-170)
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Rating:
Both teams are led by their defenses and the upcoming game should reflect that with both defensive units stepping up and taking over this game from the opening puck drop. The Capitals, who allow only 2.79 goals per game, should limit the Penguins' offense with John Carlson, Rasmus Sandin, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Charlie Lindgren to make plenty of big saves. The Penguins, who have only allowed three goals in their last three games, should eliminate and potentially shut out the Capitals, who have scored only five goals in their last four games, with Marcus Pettersson, Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone while goaltender Tristan Jarry blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game controlled by both defenses.
Take the Under on 6 goals.
Prediction: Under 6
Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.
