Caps Look to Take Winning Streak to Double Digits

We all know what happened the last time the Capitals and Penguins met up – Washington dominated, Alex Ovechkin earned his 1000th career point and also passed Maurice “Rocket” Richard on the all-time goals list. Since that game on January 11, all the Caps have done is post two consecutive shutouts and extend their win streak to nine.

SHARK BITES
  • The Capitals are 0-5 in their last 5 games on the road against the Penguins.
  • The total has gone OVER in 10 of the Penguins' last 13 games at home.
  • The total has gone OVER in 3 of the Capitals' last 4 games against the Penguins.

With their 5-0 win over the Flyers yesterday, the Capitals finally took the lead over from the Blue Jackets in the Metropolitan and pulled within five wins of the franchise record win streak. They’ve now posted four shutouts in their last six games and have firmed up their position as the best defensive club in the league, allowing just 86 goals in 43 games. One of the key contributors to this, Braden Holtby, owns a .959 save percentage in seven starts this month and has shut his opponent out in three of his last five starts.

For the Pens, it’s been just a bit uglier. They’ve lost three straight games and are coming off an embarrassing 6-3 loss to the terrible Detroit Red Wings. Their last two meetings with the Capitals have resulted in beatdowns but considering how the Penguins have played the Caps at home, and how they’ve defended the ice at PPG Paints Arena this season, Sidney Crosby and the Pens are primed to end their division rival’s streak this evening.

Pittsburgh opened as the favorite and with their 18-2-2 home record, that makes sense. Given how the Caps have been playing, however, I have a hard time ignoring their underdog value tonight.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Pittsburgh Penguins as -135 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.

Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 4.6-1 win for the Capitals. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.

Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Pittsburgh Penguins currently sport a record of 26-11-5. The Washington Capitals are 29-9-5. Betting totals have seen the Penguins post a 27-11-4 OVER/UNDER record this season, while the Capitals have gone 17-16-10 against the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs Washington injuries news.

The Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings have the Pittsburgh Penguins at No. 6 and the Washington Capitals at No. 1 heading into this contest.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Pittsburgh Penguins No. 2-ranked offense (3.45 goals per game) against a Washington Capitals defense that ranks No. 1 at 2 goals per game allowed. The Penguins Sportsbook has clicked at a 22.82% rate while the Capitals have a 86.54% rate on the penalty kill.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Washington was a 5-0 Sportsbook in its last match at home against the Flyers. They won as favorites, while the total score of 5 made Sportsbooks of PUSH bettors.

Last time out for Pittsburgh, they were a 6-3 loser as they battled the Red Wings on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Red Wings at +144 were rewarded, while the 9 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Betting Trends
  • Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
  • Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
  • Washington is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
  • Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
  • Pittsburgh is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
  • Pittsburgh is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
  • Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next Betting Matchups

Washington at St. Louis, Thursday, January 19th
Pittsburgh at Montreal, Wednesday, January 18th

The Capitals are 0-5 in their last 5 games on the road against the Penguins.away The total has gone OVER in 10 of the Penguins' last 13 games at home.home The total has gone OVER in 3 of the Capitals' last 4 games against the Penguins.away
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