Game 5 finally produced a predictable result in the Caps-Pens series. Washington won 4-2, beating Marc-Andre Fleury four times on 32 shots. The Flower has single-handedly willed his team to victory in all but one of the Pens’ wins in this best-of-seven but it appears that his out-of-body experience has ended and that his petals have wilted. The Caps have been the better team all series long and there’s no reason that won’t continue Monday night.
- The Capitals have outshot the Penguins by an average of 11.8 per game in this series.
- No arena has seen more OVERs than the PPG Paints Arena has this season (27 in 46 games).
- Through 5 games, the average total goals per game in this series is 5.8.
Yes, every historical trend here points to the Penguins and, yes, home teams are 7-0 SU in their last seven games this postseason. But Washington has dominated just about every facet of the game in this matchup (other than the unlikely area of goaltending) and a Game 5 win may have just given the Caps the confidence they need to finally pull this thorn out of their side.
Braden Holtby has yet to really steal a game for the Caps this postseason and with the Pens averaging just 21 shots per game in this series, it’s unlikely he’ll have to tonight. All the Vezina candidate has to do is make a few clutch saves tonight and watch Alex Ovechkin and the boys up front do the dirty work at the other end.
The Capitals opened this matchup as +110 underdogs, marking the first time all postseason that they’ve not been the favorites. It’s likely, however, that this thing closes near EVEN but I love Washington at any price tonight.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Washington Capitals opened as 109 moneyline underdogs in this one at most online sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total opened at 5.5 for those preferring over under betting, watch for the line updates during the day at Sportsbook.
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.
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
This season the Pittsburgh Penguins are 57-23-12 overall while the Washington Capitals are 61-22-10. As for the totals, Pittsburgh is 52-35-5 on the OU, and Washington is 41-37-15. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs Washington injuries news.
According to new NHL Power Rankings here at Odds Shark, it's the No. 5-ranked Pittsburgh Penguins and the No. 3-rated Washington Capitals in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Pittsburgh's No. 1-ranked offense, averaging 3.47 goals per game, against a Capitals defense that ranks No. 1 at 2.3 goals allowed. The Penguins power play is averaging 23.29% while the Capitals defense kills off 83.71% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
- Washington is 1-11 ATS in its last 12 games
- Washington is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
- Washington is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Pittsburgh is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
- Pittsburgh is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
- Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Washington home to Pittsburgh, Wednesday, May 10th
