The Washington Capitals have been labeled as playoff chokers for quite some time, but they’re looking like the real deal this time around. Thanks to a hat trick by T.J. Oshie, the Capitals took Game 1 of the second-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime by a score of 4-3.
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray, who turned aside 89 shots in three contests to eliminate the New York Rangers in the Sportsbook round, looked very beatable in the setback. Murray’s four goals surrendered were the same amount he let in against the Rangers.
Lack of success on the power play was a big story for Washington. The Capitals scored eight times with the man advantage in their first round series, but went 0 for 4 in Game 1. Capitals netminder Braden Holtby’s workload received a major uptick, as the Vezina Trophy finalist saw 45 shots come his way on Thursday after facing just 36 in the final two matchups with the Flyers.
Stringing together wins has not been an easy task for Washington lately. The Caps are 1-6 SU in their last seven after collecting consecutive victories.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Washington Capitals as -125 favorites earlier today. The over under opened at 5 at Sportsbook for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Penguins to win this game 3.7-2.2. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
This season the Washington Capitals are 61-20-8 overall while the Pittsburgh Penguins are 52-27-9. As for the totals, Washington is 35-36-18 on the OU, and Pittsburgh is 40-33-15. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
This game matches up the No. 15 (Washington Capitals) and the No. 1 (Pittsburgh Penguins) teams according to our current NHL Power Rankings.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Washington's No. 3-ranked offense, averaging 3.03 goals per game, against a Penguins defense that ranks No. 5 at 2.47 goals allowed. The Capitals power play is averaging 22.66% while the Penguins defense kills off 84.89% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Penguins were a 4-3 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Capitals. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Washington at -123 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for OVER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh home to Washington, Monday, May 2nd