Capitals vs. Penguins Prediction and Odds (Pittsburgh Looking to End Three Game Slide)

The Washington Capitals head to PPH Paints Arena this afternoon to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins. These teams have developed quite a rivalry over the last few years with all the playoff games the pair have played. The pair are also neck-and-neck in the Metropolitan Conference with the Penguins at 92 points and the Caps are 86. Washington would love nothing more than to skate into Pittsburgh and steal a couple of points from the Penguins.

Considering how poorly the Penguins have been playing, beating them at home might not be such a tall order. The Penguins have lost three in a row and five of their last eight games outright. They are 1-2 SU in their last three home games and were shut out on Thursday night by the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The Caps, meanwhile, are coming off a solid 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning and have won three of their last five games. The Capitals are also on a four-game road win streak dating back to March 11. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Capitals vs. Penguins Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Capitals +120
• Penguins -140

Puck line:

• Capitals +1.5 (-210)
• Penguins -1.5 (+175)

Total:

• 6 (Over -125/Under +105)

Capitals vs. Penguins Prediction and Pick

After suffering back-to-back losses to the Hurricanes and Wild, the Capitals held a players-only meeting before the Wednesday game. I love when teams get together for these meetings and come away with positive results. The Lightning is one of the best teams in the East and Washington looked confident in their win. On the flip side, the Penguins are really struggling. They are 4-5-1 in their last ten games and are giving up a lot of goals lately. The Penguins surrendered nine goals over their last two games. But, they did score six times in those three games. One thing that has been a constant is that the Penguins play high-scoring games. Whether they are scoring 11 on the Red Wings or getting beat 6-4 by the Avalanche, Pitt games are high-scoring affairs. 

The Capitals have been very similar in that regard recently. The total has gone over tonight's prediction of six in five of the last six games for Washinton. The sixth was a push. I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar outcome here. With a total of just six, and a healthy Sidney Crosby back for Pitt, I’ll take my chances with the over. 

Pick: OVER 6 (-125)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE