In this article we will formulate a Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals betting prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, April 4th at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:
- The Penguins recent form and recent player performance
- The Capitals recent form and recent play performance
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Pittsburgh
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Washington
- Recent betting trends in games played between Pittsburgh and Washington
- A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between Pittsburgh and Washington
Penguins Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 34-30-11 this season after they defeated the Devils by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Pittsburgh trailed 3-1 heading into the third period, but they were able to score five goals in the third for the win. The Penguins were out shot by a total of 26-21 and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh defeated the Rangers by a score of 5-2 in the game prior to New Jersey, but lost to Columbus before that. The Penguins are scoring 2.99 goals per game and they are allowing 2.96 goals against per game, while going 14.8% on the power play and 81.6% on the penalty kill. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 39 goals, 45 assists, and 259 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Pittsburgh is Tristan Jarry, who is 19-24-5 this year with a 2.90 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
Capitals Preview
The Washington Capitals are 36-28-10 this year after they lost to Buffalo by a score of 6-2 in their last game. Washington led 1-0 early in the first period, but they allowed six of the last seven goals in the loss. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 35-26 and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Washington lost to Boston by a score of 3-2 and Toronto by a score of 5-1 in the two games prior to Buffalo. The Capitals are scoring 2.69 goals per game and they are allowing 3.15 goals against per game, while going 21.1% on the power play and 78.6% on the penalty kill. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 26 goals, 36 assists, and 155 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Charlie Lindgren, who is 21-14-6 this year with a 2.81 goals against average and a .909 save percentage.
Washington Capitals Team Facts
- The Capitals have won each of their last four games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The road team has covered the puck line in each of the last nine games between the Penguins and Capitals.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last 12 games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Capitals have lost the first period in seven of their last eight games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Facts
- The Penguins have lost five of their last six games as favorites following a road win.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Penguins’ last six games.
- The Penguins have won the second period in each of their last four games at Capital One Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last seven games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Penguins vs Capitals Betting Prediction
Pittsburgh comes into this matchup after winning four of their last five games and they are back in the wild card race in the East. Washington is currently in the last wild card spot, but they are tied with Detroit, and the Islanders and Penguins are right behind them. Washington has lost three games in a row, but they are 20-11-6 at home, while Pittsburgh is just 14-17-7 on the road. This is almost a must win game for the Penguins and while they have played very well in their last five games, I think the Caps are too much for them at home. Take Washington here.