Since the departure of coach Barry Trotz, the Capitals have reverted to bad habits. Trotz led the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup title in 2018. He was able to command a defensive presence that no other Washington coach achieved. New coach Peter Laviolette has one Stanley Cup and three Conference Title rings. He is regarded for strong offensive teams. However, Laviolette was hired to tighten up the Capitals back end. So far, Washington hasn’t shown that commitment. Early on, Pittsburgh has struggled with the NHL betting odds. Defense, secondary scoring, and age are all culprits.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Capitals at Penguins TV Coverage: | NBCSN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitals | 6½ (-105) | +102 |  | |
| Penguins | 6½ (-115) | -122 | ||
| ||||
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins SBG Odds Overview
On this occasion, we have two teams fighting to keep their Stanley Cup windows open. By reason of their name brands, the offshore betting handle will split between these two teams. Squares will like the Penguins on home ice. Sharps will prefer the Capitals’ more favorable price as a power road team.
Washington Capitals Team Overview
Late on, Washington lost three of their last four games. Four of the Caps’ last five games went over the total. Washington is 2-1-2 in away games this season. As a result, the Capitals are 6-3-3 and 9-3 over the total. NHL metrics show the Caps 5th for goal scoring and 1st for the powerplay. Defensively Washington is 28th for goals against and 14th for the penalty kill. Washington is third in the East Division.
The new number one goalie Vitek Vanecek has a .902 save percentage. Center Nicklas Backstrom leads with six goals and 11 assists. Meanwhile, left win Alex Ovechkin has five goals, seven assists, and a minus-two.
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
Pittsburgh has lost four of their last six games. Three of their last four went over the total. As a result, the Penguins are 6-5-1 and 8-3 over the total. At PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins are 4-0. NHL rankings have the Penguins 19th for goal scoring and 24th for the power play. Conversely, Pittsburgh ranks 29th for goals allowed and 30th for penalty killing. The Penguins are fifth in the East Division.
Center Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh with four goals and six assists. Of significant concern is the combined .867 save percentage of goalies Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith.
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins Head-to-Head vs. the Spread
- Pittsburgh has won five of their last seven games against Washington
- The last six meetings in this series went over the total
- The Penguins have won four of their last five home games with the Caps
- Five of the last six between these teams at PPG Paints Arena went over the total
- Pittsburgh won both previous meetings with Washington this season
- The previous two games between these teams in 2021 went over the total
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins at SBG Free Picks
In this situation, both teams are struggling to tighten up defensively. As mentioned earlier, the Penguins have the upper hand in this NHL betting series. Also, the new Pittsburgh management tandem of Ron Hextall and Brian Burke should provide a temporary spark.
Capitals at Penguins SBG Best Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins.