Although both teams sit three points out of first place in the Metropolitan Division, the Penguins and Capitals are believed by most respected minds in hockey to be the two best teams in the NHL. The Pens have some bad memories from the last time they played the Caps in Washington so they’ll be out for some redemption as Sidney Crosby tries to hold off Alex Ovechkin in the goal-scoring race.
- The Capitals are 5-2 in their last 7 games after winning as an underdog.
- The Penguins are 6-0 in their last 6 games with 2 days off between games.
- The total has gone OVER in 17 of the Penguins' last 21 games.
The home team has been on the better end of the results in this series of late and a microcosm of that was the Capitals’ 7-1 beatdown of the defending Stanley Cup champs when they played last. With the Caps winning six straight games and the Penguins on a five-game streak of their own, there are plenty of storylines heading into this one but the most important one of all is – where’s the betting value?
Washington opened as the slight -120 favorite and that seems pretty accurate. The matchup between these teams could not be closer but when you consider the Penguins’ 8-6-3 record on the road, it makes a lean toward the team from the nation’s capital seem justified.
An additional storyline going into the evening is the possibility of Ovi earning his 1000th career point against the team he’s been locked in a perpetual rivalry with ever since he and Captain Cros entered the league over a decade ago. He’s been on a bit of a heater since the turn of the new year, accumulating five points in his last five games and remember, the Capitals are 12-4 this season when the Great Eight scores a goal.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Washington Capitals as -120 moneyline favorites in this particular NHL betting matchup earlier. The over under total, meanwhile, was set early at 5.5 before betting started to move the line at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Capitals to win this game 3.5-1.9. 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
Supporters of the Pittsburgh Penguins have seen them go 26-8-5 so far this season, while the Capitals are at 26-9-5. In totals betting, the Washington Capitals are 15-16-9, while the Penguins are 25-10-4. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
This game matches up the No. 9 (Washington Capitals) and the No. 2 (Pittsburgh Penguins) teams according to our current NHL Power Rankings.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Washington's No. 8-ranked offense, averaging 2.88 goals per game, against a Penguins defense that ranks No. 18 at 2.79 goals allowed. The Capitals power play is averaging 17.07% while the Penguins defense kills off 79.85% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Penguins were a 6-2 Sportsbook in their most recent outing at home against the Lightning. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Pittsburgh at -255 on the moneyline, while the total score (8) was good news for OVER bettors.
In their last action, Washington was a 4-1 Sportsbook on the road against the Canadiens. Bettors on Washington at -103 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (5) sent PUSH bettors home happy as well.
- Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 17 of Pittsburgh's last 21 games
- Pittsburgh is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games on the road
- Washington is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
- Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- Washington is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games at home
- Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh at Ottawa, Thursday, January 12th
Washington home to Chicago, Friday, January 13th
