Penguins vs Capitals Prediction 4/17/25 NHL Picks Today

The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins meet Thursday in NHL action at the PPG Paints Arena. Here’s a Penguins vs Capitals Prediction. This article will include a Penguins vs Capitals Pick.

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals recently played the Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, and Islanders. The Capitals have seen seven of their 21 losses come since March 25.

The Washington Capitals are averaging 3.51 goals per game and are scoring 23.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Alex Ovechkin leads Washington with 43 goals, Dylan Strome has 52 assists, and Jakob Chychrun has 177 shots on goal. Defensively, the Washington Capitals are allowing 2.77 goals per game and are killing 82.3 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Charlie Lindgren has allowed 104 goals on 985 shots faced, and Logan Thompson has given up 105 goals on 1,172 shots.

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins recently played the Blackhawks, Devils, and Bruins. The Penguins have split their last 18 games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are averaging 2.93 goals per game and are scoring 25.6 percent of their power play opportunities. Rickard Rakell leads Pittsburgh with 35 goals, Sidney Crosby has 57 assists, and Erik Karlsson has 189 shots on goal. Defensively, the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing 3.52 goals per game and are killing 78 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Tristan Jarry has allowed 105 goals on 971 shots faced, and Alex Nedelijkovic has given up 110 goals on 1,034 shots.

Why the Pittsburgh Penguins will win

• The Penguins have won each of their last seven Thursday games at PPG Paints Arena.
• The Capitals have lost each of their last four road games following a road win.
• The Penguins have covered the puck line in each of their last four games at PPG Paints Arena following a loss.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six road games.
• The Capitals have lost the third period in each of their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents when trailing after the second period.

Why the Washington Capitals will win

• The Capitals have won six of their last seven games at PPG Paints Arena.
• The Penguins have lost four of their last five games following a home loss.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games at PPG Paints Arena.
• The Penguins have lost the second period in each of their last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents when tied after the first period.

Penguins vs Capitals Injury Report

The Penguins will be without Bokondji Imama, P.O Joseph, Tommy Novak, Noel Acciari, Matt Nieto, Rutger McGroarty, Blake Lizotte, and Kris Letang. Kevin Hayes is questionable.

Jakob Chychrun, John Carlson, Logan Thompson, and Aliaksei Protas are questionable for the Washington Capitals.

Penguins vs Capitals Prediction

The Capitals don’t have anything to play for, as they’re locked into a playoff series with Montreal. The Penguins are also a prideful franchise that probably would like to end the season on a high note over a rival. However, we’re getting a pick em price with the Capitals, the far and away better team. The road team has won seven of the last 10 games between the Capitals and Penguins. Even if the Caps sit key players and don’t have much motivation, they’re capable of beating a Penguins side that’s in a down year. Toss up price, I’m going to take the better team every time.