Murphy’s Law pertains to Washington in their rivalry with Pittsburgh. Whatever can go wrong does go wrong. In the last eight playoff series between these teams Pittsburgh won each time. Once again, the Caps are NHL Playoff lines underdogs against the Penguins. Yet if they can somehow find a way to end the jinx they may have a path to the Final. Washington’s Alex Ovechkin is one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. But his name is not yet on Lord Stanley’s Cup. Until that happens his career will be considered incomplete.
Capitals vs. Penguins Game 3
Date and Time: Tuesday, May 1, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitals | +1½ (-240) | 5½(-115) |  |
| Penguins | -1½ (+200) | 5½ (-105) | |
| |||
Capitals vs. Penguins TV Coverage: NBCSN
Series so Far
Sunday saw the Capitals even this best of seven series at 1-1. Washington held on for a clutch 4-1 win. Alexander Ovechkin scored 1:26 into the game. From there the Caps held off a furious Pittsburgh effort. Braden Holtby stopped 32 Penguin shots. The matchup went under the NHL playoff lines total for the second straight game.
Washington
Washington head coach Barry Trotz is in a unique position. His contract is out. Renewal is entirely dependent upon how far the Caps go in the playoffs. Trotz is hardly the blame for the Capitals epic history of playoff disaster. But he has not fixed it. At least not yet. He has brought better defensive structure to DC. But that has not translated into playoff success. Many Washington players have enjoyed their finest seasons under Trotz. Dallas is yet to hire a new head coach. They seem to be waiting to see what happens in this series.
Ovechkin
Ovechkin is certainly feeling the heat for never getting to the Final. “The Great eight” had a strong regular season with 49 goals and 38 assists. He has been the Caps top scorer in the playoffs. But the only stat he is ultimately going to be judged on is wins and losses. To Ovechkin’s credit his effort has been all in. His bitter arch rival Sidney Crosby on the other side. This serves to only add to the drama of this high stakes series.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has controlled the sportsbook cashier’s cage in this series. In the last six meetings the Pens have won four times. Five of the last six between these teams went under the total. PPG Paints Arena has seen the Pens win eight of their last 11 vs. the Caps. Three of the last four in this series at Pittsburgh went under the number.
Matchup to Watch
Pittsburgh is the obvious choice at home with the NHL Playoff lines. That is what makes them a potential liability. Too much public money will float to the Penguins. As bad as this series has gone for the Caps they are more than capable. Power value dogs are always a good move in the playoffs. Unlike the NBA road teams fare relatively well in NHL post season play. And with enhanced value more often than not.
Capitals vs. Penguins NHL Playoff Lines Picks
Washington is the upset pick at the better price to win game three.
NHL Betting Online Pick: Washington Capitals
NHL Betting Online Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Penguins 2
Check out highlights of the Caps Game Two win!