Penguins vs Capitals Pick – NHL Predictions & Odds 3/25/23

The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins meet Saturday in NHL action at the PPG Paints Arena. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

The Washington Capitals are averaging 3.1 goals per game and are scoring on 21.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Alex Ovechkin leads Washington with 41 goals, Evgeny Kuznetsov has 40 assists and Conor Sheary has 139 shots on goal. Defensively, the Washington Capitals are allowing 3.1 goals per game and are killing 82.7 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Darcy Kuemper has given up 127 goals on 1,426 shots faced, and Charlie Lindgren has allowed 80 goals on 781 shots.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are averaging 3.2 goals per game and are scoring on 21.5 percent of their power play opportunities. Jake Guentzel leads Pittsburgh with 31 goals, Sidney Crosby has 54 assists, and Rickard Rakell has 216 shots on goal. Defensively, the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing 3.2 goals per game and are killing 79.4 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Tristan Jarry has allowed 111 goals on 1,207 shots faced, and Casey DeSmith has given up 98 goals on 1,051 shots.

The Capitals are 3-8 in their last 11 games playing on 1 days rest and 6-13 in their last 19 overall. The Penguins are 2-6 in their last 8 Saturday games and 1-5 in their last 6 overall. The over is 7-0 in Capitals last 7 overall. The under is 4-1 in Penguins last 5 overall. The road team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Both teams have underachieved a lot this season, and I’m not eager to lay juice with either side. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins are at home, and they have a better chance of sneaking into the playoffs, which should create more motivation. The Washington Capitals come up short more times than not, and it wouldn’t be surprised to see them completely unravel these next few weeks. Give me the Penguins and the reasonable price.