Penguins vs. Capitals Pick
Two of the NHL’s biggest rivals meet up again tonight when the Washington Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight at 7PM ET.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, this game is considered even, as both teams are getting odds of -110 to win, while the over/under total has been set at 5.5 goals. Tonight’s game takes place from the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Pittsburgh is coming off a 3-1 win over the Coyotes at home earlier this week, though the Pens have won just four of their last six. Pittsburgh is now 9-6-2 overall and 4-6-1 on the road. Pittsburgh is averaging 2.65 goals per game this season while allowing 3.47 per contest. Phil Kessel is leading the Pens with 19 points on five goals and 14 assists while Evgeni Malkin has a team-high seven goals. Matt Murray is 9-3-1 in net this season with a 2.90 GAA and a .906 save percentage.
Washington had a three-game win streak snapped on Nov. 7 in a 3-1 loss at Buffalo. The Capitals are now 8-7-1 overall and 3-3 at home. Washington is putting up 2.88 goals per game this season while allowing 3.19 per game. Alex Ovechkin is leading the Capitals with 13 goals and five assists while Evgeny Kuznetsov is adding three goals and 15 assists. Braden Holtby is 8-3 in net this season for the Caps with a 2.62 GAA and a .921 save percentage.
Pittsburgh has won two straight meetings with the Caps, but I like Washington at home tonight. The Capitals have the better scoring options right now, while allowing fewer goals per game as well. Murray has been a little shaky at times and will face one of the top players in the game tonight. I expect Washington to be up for this game at home against its rival as well. The public betting is behind the Penguins tonight, but I think the Capitals get it done.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: WASHINGTON CAPITALS -110