Will Sidney Crosby play tonight? How effective will he be if he does suit up? These are important questions heading into Game 5 between the Capitals and Penguins and it makes the contest incredibly tough to handicap. There’s a lot of half-truths and rumors floating around about the superstar’s status but even if he does play, the Caps are desperate and have been the better team for the large majority of the series – they’re big favorites in this spot for a reason.
- The Capitals have outshot the Penguins 111-65 in 5-on-5 play this series.
- Marc-Andre Fleury has a .992 low-danger shot save percentage this postseason.
- The Capitals are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games with 2 days off between games.
If it hadn’t been for Marc-Andre Fleury performing miracles the last four games, it’s conceivable to think that the Capitals could have swept the Penguins and already been on to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Flower has, however, done exactly that and kept the Caps frustrated all series. Washington has vastly outshot and out-chanced Pittsburgh in every game so far and I still refuse to believe Fleury can keep this up.
A big factor in this game will be the adjustments made by Barry Trotz, one of which includes Alex Ovechkin at least starting on the third line with Tom Wilson and Lars Eller. Ovi has been basically invisible this entire series and it’s likely the bench boss is trying to motivate the sniper. It may be too little too late at this point but it’s clear that something needed to change in order for the Caps to open up the floodgates.
The moneyline value on the Penguins is hard to ignore here with how good Pittsburgh has been to backers in this best-of-seven so I wouldn’t blame you for grabbing the Pens at +150 or better. That said, Washington will throw everything they have at Fleury today and if Crosby does sit – like he should – the Caps are forcing Game 6.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NHL betting line for this matchup, Washington sat as -200 favorites over at Sportsbook. The total was set at 5 at Sportsbook but may move closer to puck drop.
Odds Shark score prediction models pick a 3.2-2.4 result in favor of the Penguins today. 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
The Washington Capitals bring a 60-22-10 record to the battle against the 57-22-12 Penguins. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Washington go 40-37-15 so far and the Penguins go 51-35-5. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
The Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings have the Washington Capitals at No. 3 and the Pittsburgh Penguins at No. 5 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Washington's No. 2-ranked offense, averaging 3.15 goals per game, against a Penguins defense that ranks No. 17 at 2.81 goals allowed. The Capitals power play is averaging 23.38% while the Penguins defense kills off 79.86% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
- Pittsburgh is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
- Pittsburgh is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
- Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Washington is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
- Washington is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
- Washington is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh home to Washington, Monday, May 8th
