Certainly Washington’s Stanley Cup championship from last year ended decades of frustration. But the Capitals seem to have an NHL betting online hangover to start the new season. Increasingly the Caps up and down ways are costing gamblers. Subsequently Washington is a consistently expensive favorite. Which makes losing bets on the Caps quite expensive. In comparison Pittsburgh is off to a solid start. The Penguins boast the highest scoring team in the NHL. Offsetting that is an erratic back end. Starting with Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby the Caps and Pens rivalry has plenty of star power.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 7, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Capital One Arena
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Penguins vs. Capitals TV Coverage: NBCSN
Washington Capitals
Washington is 5-4-2-1 and 3-1-1-1 at home. On the whole the Caps rank second in the NHL for goal scoring but 28th for goals against. Accordingly, this brings up the elephant in the room for Washington. Head coach Barry Trotz departed for the New York Islanders a few days after the Stanley Cup championship. Trotz was credited for turning Ovechkin and company into a responsible full 200-foot team. As a result of his departure the Capitals have regressed into their old bad habits. Stanley Cup hero goaltender Braden Holtby has slipped to a .888 save percentage.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh is 6-3-1-2 and 4-0-0-2 on the road. As mentioned earlier the Pens top the entire NHL for goal scoring. But they rank 18th for goals against. Extending that mediocre defensive standing is the Pens rank of 26th for shots against. Commencing with seven goals by Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel is a deep lineup. Crosby has six goals and eight assists. Meanwhile Casey DeSmith has a .933 save percentage compared to Matt Murray’s .890. Murray may lose playing time if this continues.
Stats to Consider
Pittsburgh has been a strong NHL Betting online value on the road. For example, the Penguins have come away with the money in 10 of their last 14 matchups away from home. Three of Pittsburgh’s last five road tilts have also gone under the total. Counter to that is Washington’s good value on home ice. In fact, the Caps have paid in six of their last eight home games. Five of their last six at Capital One Arena have gone over the total.
Team vs. Team
Washington has held the recent sportsbook advantage with Pittsburgh. To show the Caps have paid in four of their last six games with the Penguins. Eight of the last 12 games between the Pens and Capitals have gone under the total. At Capital One Arena Washington has come away with the money in three of their last four against Pittsburgh. And five of the last six between these teams at Washington have gone under the total.
Matchup to Watch
Commencing with Ovechkin and Crosby this NHL Betting online matchup is a top shelf rivalry. While Pittsburgh is in better form the Caps have their number recently. Likewise, Pittsburgh is the one opponent that will bring out Washington’s best effort.
Capitals vs. Penguins NHL Betting Online Picks
To conclude the Caps get the home ice call.
Capitals vs. Penguins NHL Betting Online Pick: Washington Capitals
Capitals vs. Penguins NHL Betting Online Series Prediction: Capitals 3, Penguins 2
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