The Pittsburgh Penguins will look to continue their role as the bully vs the Washington Capitals tonight, but due to some sloppy play on the road this season, that’ll be easier said than done. Including last year’s playoff series, the Pens have taken six of the last nine games in this matchup, but they’re an ugly 4-6-1 SU on the road this season compared to 5-0-1 SU at home.
- The total has gone UNDER in six of the Penguins’ last eight games.
- Sidney Crosby has just one point in his last five games.
- The Penguins are 11-6 SU in their last 17 games as an underdog vs the Capitals.
With the exception of a win in Edmonton last week, the Penguins have gotten it absolutely handed to them on the road recently, losing five of their last six while being outscored 24-9. Specific to this matchup, however, the Pens picked up a W in DC on October 11, beating the Caps 3-2. Winning in the nation’s capital is something they’re growing accustomed to, as they’ve now won four of their last five games there.
After a mediocre start to the season for the Caps, it appears as if they’re turning things around this month. They’re 3-1 SU in November, which includes two wins at home. Somewhat surprisingly, though, they’re averaging just 2.67 goals per game on their home ice this season, which puts them in the bottom third of the league in that category.
The Pens are in a bit of a rare spot as an underdog, as they’ve been the favorite in the majority of their games this season, but they’ve been money in the bank for bettors when playing with extra rest. With two days off between games, Pittsburgh has won seven consecutive games. Combining this with the recent one-sided nature of this matchup makes the Pens well worth the gamble as an underdog.
With a total of 6 for the game, bettors will be interested to know that the teams have topped that mark in just one of their last six games against each other. With the teams well rested, both Matt Murray and Braden Holtby are expected to start.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Washington Capitals were listed earlier today as -117 moneyline favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark (including Sportsbook), while oddsmakers set the Sportsbook betting total around 6.
OddsShark prediction models pick the Capitals to win this game 3.3-2.4. 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 currently sport a record of 8-7-1. The Pittsburgh Penguins are 9-6-2. Betting totals have seen the Capitals post a 9-7 OVER/UNDER record this season, while the Penguins have gone 9-8 against the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
The NHL Power Rankings at OddsShark show the No. 8-rated Penguins taking on the No. 26-rated Capitals in this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Washington's No. 16-ranked offense, averaging 2.94 goals per game, against a Penguins defense that ranks No. 26 at 3.47 goals allowed. The Capitals power play is averaging 18.37% while the Penguins defense kills off 81.54% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Pittsburgh won its last outing, a 3-1 result against the Coyotes on November 7. Bettors who backed the Penguins at -263 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (4) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.
Washington was a 3-1 loser in its last match on the road against the Sabres. They lost as -108 underdogs, while the total score of 4 made Sportsbooks of UNDER bettors.
- Pittsburgh is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
- Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
- Pittsburgh is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
- Washington is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
- Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
- Washington is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh at Nashville, Saturday, November 11
Washington home to Edmonton, Sunday, November 12
