Capitals vs. Penguins Prediction
The Washington Capitals are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since they drafted Alex Ovechkin. Can Washington win tonight as a big underdog when it takes on host Pittsburgh in Game 6?
Game Snapshot
1 Washington Capitals at 2 Pittsburgh Penguins
Monday, May 7, 2018
PPG Paints Arena at 7PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Penguins are a -190 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Capitals are a +165 underdog, while the total is set at 6 goals. As of Monday afternoon, 52 percent of public bets are being placed on host Pittsburgh. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Carlson, Backstrom probable for Caps
Washington defenseman John Carlson and center Nicklas Backstrom are both dealing with upper body injuries, but each is listed as probable to play tonight. Carlson scored a goal in Game 5’s 6-3 win and has three goals plus eight assists in 11 playoff games. He had 15 goals and 53 assists during the regular season. Backstrom did not have a point in Game 5, but has been solid in the playoffs with three goals and 10 assists in 11 games. He tallied 21 goals and 50 assists in the regular season. Forward Tom Wilson is still suspended for one more game because of an illegial hit that broke the jaw of Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese.
Kuzetsov, Vrana record three points each
Washington centers Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jakub Vrana each had a goal and two assists as the Capitals doubled up Pittsburgh in Game 5. Center Lars Eller and right winger T.J. Oshie each notched a goal and an assist. Carlson and right winger Brett Connolly added one goal apiece. Pittsburgh received goals from center Sidney Crosby, right winger Patric Hornqvist and defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. Washingon goalie Braden Holtby saved 36 of 39 shots in the win.
NHL Betting Trends
Washington
The Capitals are 9-1 in their last 10 road games. The under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are 9-4 in their last 13 home games vs. Washington. The over is 3-0-1 in the last four Pittsburgh games following a loss by three or more goals.
Prediction:
The Capitals have been outstanding on the road in the playoffs and this moneyline seems a little too heavy in the Penguins’ favor. Sure, there is history here with Pittsburgh eliminating Washington three times during the playoffs in the Ovechkin era. Everyone is expecting to see a Game 7. So why not go against the grain and take a shot on Washington here to put together another outstanding road performance?
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS +165