The Pittsburgh Penguins get to return to the friendly confines of PPG Paints Arena when they host the Washington Capitals tonight in Game 3 of their second-round series. The Penguins have been a juggernaut at home, winning 19 of the last 24 games and averaging four goals per game in these playoffs. They’ll try to break the Capitals’ hearts for a third straight year and opened at -145 to take the edge in the series.
SHARK BITES
The Penguins are 9-0 SU in their last nine games after a loss.
Pittsburgh is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games.
The UNDER has hit in four of Washington’s last six games.
The Penguins may feel like they got hosed in Game 2 due to some questionable goal calls but Washington deserves credit for making one of the NHL’s best offenses have to work for its goals. After being limited to only four goals through two games, the Pens may need a jolt offensively in the form of Evgeni Malkin. The Russian center has missed the last three games due to a lower-body injury and his presence could help revitalize a power play that has gone 0-for-5 through two games in this series.
On the flip side, the Capitals are looking to finally slay the playoff beast known as the Penguins and if they plan to do that, they have to knock off Pittsburgh at home. That could be easier said than done as Washington is 3-8 SU (including playoffs) in its last 11 trips to Pittsburgh. If the Caps want any shot to advance, they’ll need to continue the recipe that got them past Columbus and outshoot their opponent as the Caps are second in the playoffs in shot differential and have won eight straight road games as a result.
In the goaltending department, it’s been fairly even between Matt Murray and Braden Holtby in these playoffs with Holtby having the edge in goals-against average at 1.95 to Murray’s 2.29 in eight games each. Bettors should expect both of these netminders to stand tall and when these teams have faced each other, the UNDER has hit in six of the last seven games with an average combined score of 5.29 goals per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
If you're backing the visiting Washington Capitals in this one, they were listed earlier today as underdogs of +128 at most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. Those OVER/UNDER total betting saw the number open in the area of 5.5, depending on the book.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 2.9-2.8 victory for the Penguins. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
The Pittsburgh Penguins sport a record of 52-32-6 heading into this matchup, while the Washington Capitals sit at 54-27-9 on the season. The OVER/UNDER records are 49-36-5 for the Penguins and 50-38-2 for the Capitals. 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 OddsShark, it's the No. 5-ranked Penguins and the No. 7-rated Capitals in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Pittsburgh Penguins' No. 3-ranked offense (3.38 goals per game) against a Washington Capitals defense that ranks No. 13 at 2.9 goals per game allowed. The Penguins power play has clicked at a 25.17% rate while the Capitals have a 80.87% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Betting Trends
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Washington
