Penguins vs. Capitals Prediction
The Washington Capitals blew a 2-0 lead in the third period of Game 1 at home versus the Pittsburgh Penguins? Can Washington bounce back this afternoon to even the series at a game apiece?
11 Pittsburgh Penguins at 12 Washington Capitals
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Capital One Arena at 3PM ET
TV: NBC
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Capitals are a -115 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Penguins are a -105 underdog, while the over-under sits at 6 goals. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Penguins complete Game 1 rally
Alexander Ovechkin gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead in the series opener with a a goal 28 seconds into the third period, his sixth goal of the postseason. He also added an assist on an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal 17 seconds into the first period as Washington grabbed a quick 2-0 advantage. But Pittsburgh, which has won three playoff series’ against the Capitals during Ovechkin’s tenure, awoke as it rallied for the 3-2 victory. Patric Hornqvist put the Penguins on the board at the 17:01 mark of the third, while Sidney Crosby scored his seventh goal of the playoffs to tie the game shortly thereafter. Jake Guentzel, who assisted on the Crosby goal, gave Pittsburgh the advantage with 12:12 left on a Crosby feed. It was Guentzel’s seventh goal of the postseason as well.
Murray outplays Holtby
Pittsburgh goalie Matt Murray was tested with 34 shots on goal Wednesday night and stopped 32 of them, settling down in the first and third periods after giving up quick goals. Washington goaltender Braden Holtby, on the other hand, took on less shots with 25 but gave up more goals. Both goalies have stepped their game up from their regular season numbers during the playoffs and Holtby has actually been a little better overall. With Murray getting the last laugh in Game 1, it will be interesting to see if that will be the story of the series.
NHL Betting Trends
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are 6-0 in their last six road games. The under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
Washington
The Capitals are 2-5 in their last seven home games versus Pittsburgh. Washington is 1-5 in its last six Sunday games.
Prediction:
I think the Penguins were already officially in the Capitals’ heads, but Game 1 didn’t exactly change that narrative. While this series is far from over and Washington did overcome a 2-0 deficit against Columbus in the first round after a pair of home defeats, my gut feeling is the Capitals are going to play tight this afternoon in front of a restless home crowd. Go with Pittsburgh in this spot.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS -105