Game 4 of the second round series between the Penguins and Capitals goes tonight in Pittsburgh and the Pens will look a grab a 3-1 series stranglehold. Coming off Monday’s 3-2 victory, Pittsburgh is now on a run that’s seen them go 14-1 in their last 15 games with a day off between games. The day off between games trend hasn’t been as kind to the Caps, as they’re 1-4 in their last five in that situation.
The Pens will be without a key part of their lineup as defenseman Kris Letang has been suspended for a late hit on Marcus Johansson in Game 3. Letang’s absence will leave a major void in Pittsburgh’s lineup. The defenseman has averaged over 30 minutes of ice time during the series and the Pens were 2-8-1 without Letang in the lineup during the regular season.
Pittsburgh entered the day as slim +105 favorites to win the game. They’ve been on a nice roll as home favorites, posting a 15-5 record in their last 20 games in that situation, including wins in six of their last seven as home faves.
The Capitals tend to be a good bounce back team as they’re 23-7 in their last 30 games after a loss. A loss tonight would be three straight for them — something that’s happened just once all season.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
On the Sportsbook NHL betting line for this matchup, Pittsburgh sat as -122 favorites over at Sportsbook. The total was set at 5 at Sportsbook but may move closer to puck drop.
Prediction-scoring formulas run on this game pick a potential 4.1-1.6 result in favor of the Penguins. 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
54-27-9 Pittsburgh battles the Capitals, currently with a 61-22-8 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 40-34-16 for the Penguins and 35-37-19 for the Capitals. 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. 1 and the Washington Capitals at No. 15 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Pittsburgh's No. 2-ranked offense, averaging 3.04 goals per game, against a Capitals defense that ranks No. 1 at 2.27 goals allowed. The Penguins power play is averaging 19.31% while the Capitals defense kills off 86.41% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Washington, they were a 3-2 loser as they battled the Penguins on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Penguins at -134 were rewarded, while the 5 combined goals moved the game PUSH for totals bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Washington home to Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 7th