Penguins vs. Capitals Prediction
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have plenty of playoff history against each other and meet again in the postseason this year as the Eastern Conference semifinals begin tonight. Will Washington stay red-hot in Game 1 and notch a win over visiting Pittsburgh?
Game Snapshot
87 Pittsburgh Penguins at 88 Washington Capitals
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Capital One Arena at 7PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Capitals are a -125 favorite to win on the moneyline. The total is set at 6 goals. As of Thursday morning, 59 percent of public bets are siding with visiting Pittsburgh. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Capitals overcoming playoff demons?
Washington found itself in danger of yet another playoff letdown as it lost the first two games of its series against Columbus at home. But the Capitals proceeded to win four straight and won the series by doubling up the host Blue Jackets 6-3 in Game 6. Alexander Ovechkin tallied two goals in the clinching win, while goaltender Braden Holtby continued his strong play with 35 saves on 38 shots. Ovechkin has never advanced past the second round and Washington has lost to Pittsburgh in three playoff series since he entered the NHL in 2005.
Penguins showcase offense vs. Flyers
The Penguins have plenty of star power offensively with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. Crosby opened Game 1 against Philadelphia with a hat trick in a 7-0 victory and ended the round with six goals. But it was actually Jake Guentzel who manufactured the biggest game as his four-goal effort sparked Pittsburgh to an 8-5 win in Game 6 to clinch the series. Even with a couple of duds in the two games the Flyers won, the Penguins averaged almost five goals per contest. Guentzel finished the first round with six goals as well and heads into the series with the Caps as the hottest player on the ice. He’ll be needed more in Game 1 as Malkin (leg) has been ruled out.
NHL Betting Trends
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are 5-0 in their last five road games. The over is 4-0 in the last four Pittsburgh games on Thursday.
Washington
The over is 5-0 in the last five Capitals home games. Washington is 4-0 in the last four games versus the Metropolitan Division.
Prediction:
This series should be a whole lot of fun and it will be interesting to see if the Capitals can finally get the job done not only against Pittsburgh in the playoffs but also getting past the second round against any opponent. Washington comes in with a lot of motivation and confidence. While the Penguins have played well on the road as of late, the Caps are much better than the Flyers. Take the favorite in this spot.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS -125