Maybe the Capitals are cursed. Because I can’t think of another reason that makes sense for them losing Game 1 of their series with the Penguins. Washington was the dominant team for the majority of the game, limiting their opponents to just 18 five-on-five shots. Marc-Andre Fleury, however, was a man possessed on Thursday, making miraculous save after miraculous save. He was flopping all over the ice and he caught more than his fair share of lucky breaks.
The win for Pittsburgh broke a streak of eight consecutive losses for the road team in this series and it put the Caps in a hole. That said, Washington is actually 3-3 in best-of-sevens since 1990 when they’ve lost Game 1 at home and two of those series wins have come during Alex Ovechkin’s tenure. This series isn’t over by a long shot so you better hang on to something.
With both club’s special teams operating at nearly the exact same efficiency (both power play and penalty kill) those numbers are a wash. It’s the Capitals’ dominance at even strength where I give them the greatest edge in Game 2 and why i like their moneyline despite its price.
Pittsburgh has allowed more shots per game this postseason than any other team and for me, that’s not sustainable. Fleury has been playing well beyond his capabilities the last six games and I expect that to unravel sooner rather than later. He’s due for a stinker and I’ve got the Febreeze on stand-by.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Pittsburgh Penguins were listed as 129 underdogs on the NHL hockey moneyline earlier at Sportsbook. The over under total was set at 5.5 before betting started earlier on Saturday at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 3.5-2.3 win for the Penguins. 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 59-20-10 record to the battle against the 55-22-11 Penguins. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Washington go 39-35-15 so far and the Penguins go 50-33-5. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
According to new NHL Power Rankings here at Odds Shark, it's the No. 3-ranked Washington Capitals and the No. 5-rated Pittsburgh Penguins in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Washington Capitals No. 2-ranked offense (3.18 goals per game) against a Pittsburgh Penguins defense that ranks No. 17 at 2.83 goals per game allowed. The Capitals Sportsbook has clicked at a 23.48% rate while the Penguins have a 79.93% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Pittsburgh won its last outing, a 3-2 result against the Capitals on April 27. Bettors who backed the Penguins at +121 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh home to Washington, Monday, May 1st