Capitals vs. Penguins Prediction
With the series now deadlocked at a game apiece, the series between the Capitals and the Penguins shifts to Pittsburgh. Are the hosts going to secure the win as the favorites in tonight’s Game 3?
Game Snapshot
51 Washington Capitals at 52 Pittsburgh Penguins
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
PPG Paints Arena at 7:30PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Penguins are a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Penguins are a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline, while the Capitals are +125 underdogs. The total sits at 5.5 goals. As of Tuesday afternoon, 73 percent of public bets are coming in on host Pittsburgh. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Capitals don’t blow another lead
Washington had another 2-0 lead in Game 2, which is where Pittsburgh had rallied for a 3-2 win the previous contest. But this time, the Capitals continued playing strong hockey to the finish for a 4-1 victory. Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the postseason, while Jakub Vrana added his first of the playoffs later in the first period to make it 2-0. Brett Connolly made it a 3-0 game with his first early in the second, while the Penguins finally got on the board via a Kris Letang goal as it went to the third period at 3-1. Nicklas Backstrom wrapped up the scoring with his third goal of the playoffs on an empty netter with seven seconds remaining.
Malkin questionable to play
Pittsburgh star center Evgeni Malkin has missed the first two games of this series with a leg injury and is ruled questionable tonight. Malkin had three goals and two assists in the first five games of the first round series against the Flyers, but missed Game 6. During the regular season, he accounted for 42 goals and 56 assists in 78 games played. Defenseman Brian Dumoulin (upper body) and left winger Carl Hagelin (face) are also questionable. For the Capitals, both center Evgeny Kuznetsov (hand) and right winger T.J. Oshie (hand) are probable to play.
NHL Betting Trends
Washington
The Capitals are 10-1 in their last 11 road games. Washington is 3-8 in its last 11 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are 8-0 in their last eight games when their opponent scores two goals or less in their previous game. The under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
Prediction:
Malkin’s return would be huge for Pittsburgh as its offense hasn’t hit full throttle this series. Back at home and against a Capitals team that has struggled there in recent years, I have to like Pittsburgh as the favorites to take a 2-1 series lead.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS -145