Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Penguins vs Capitals Odds
Looking for Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals free hockey plays? NHL betting sees the Penguins taking on the Capitals on Thursday, April 28th, 2016 at the Honda Center, Washington, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey matchups throughout the playoffs so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Date: Saturday, April 23rd, 2016
Time: 10:00PM
Venue: Honda Center, Washington, California
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Capitals -160
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: OFF
NHL Betting Total: 5
Prob. Goalies: Murray (PIT) | Holtby (WAS)
Live NHL Odds
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Of all the series ready to get going for round 2, non will have the spotlight more than Crosby’s Penguins vs Ovechkins Caps.
This is set to be one of the more ‘fun’ matchups to watch as we’re in for a long, fast paced class between the two best teams in the eastern conference.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The depth of the Penguins was in full showcase mode in their dismantling of the Rangers in the opening series.
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Offence, check. Defence, check. Goaltending, check. Rookie goalie Murray came in for game 3 and had been a rock between the pipes allowing just 4 goals in 3 games. He will need to be even sharper as he faces a much more potent offensive challenge with Washington on deck.
During round 1, the Pens had a ton of offence and spread it around very well getting contributions from every line. Crosby and Malkin need to stay sharp and lead their lines to keep up with a high-flying style of play.
Kessel wasn’t dead in series one, but more needs to come from the deadly sniper here if the Pens want to move on to the conference final.
Washington Capitals
Washington steps into the second round with a lot of question marks. Sure, they made it here, but the far from dominated the Flyers during their 6 game series.
Ovechkin and the first line were the offensive catalysts in that series, but they’re going to need their secondary scoring to get going here.
Kuznetzov was kept nearly silent in that series, but a breakout is bound to happen in round 2 as he was simply too good during the season to write off as a no show in the postseason.
The main keys to a Capitals success here will be 3 fold: first, how will the Capitals respond so they dramatic shift in play style they’re going to face.
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Philly was a grinders series, whereas this one will be all about speed and execution. Second, their defence took a beating in that 6 game series and although press releases say Orpik and Alsner will be ready for game 1, I have my doubts they will.
And last, can Holtby continue the play that to this point has him as the frontrunner for the Vezina.
NHL Hockey Handicapping Trends
- PIT are 10-1 in their last 11 road games.
- Over is 8-1-2 in PIT last 11 Thu. games.
- PIT are 20-6 in their last 26 vs. Metropolitan.
- Under is 6-1-1 in WAS last 8 games following a win.
- WAS are 36-15 in their last 51 Thu. games.
- WAS are 36-15 in their last 51 home games.
- PIT are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Washington.
- PIT are 12-5 in the last 17 meetings.
Free Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals NHL Hockey Prediction
All that everyone sees here is Crosby vs Ovechkin, and although both will shine here, they will not be the difference makers on most nights. This series essentially will come down to the Pittsburgh depth vs Brandon Holtby, plain and simple.
Whichever of those 2 steps up will decide the winner on any given night. I expect Pittsburgh will exploit the mismatches that appear after the main lines hit the bench.
The Caps defense will be exhausted keeping the Crosby and Malkin lines in check, giving great opportunities to the Matt Cullen line to shine. Pittsburgh will dictate the style of play, and Washington won’t be able to adjust here in game 1.
Special teams will also play a massive roll here with both teams leathal on the PP and extremely stingy on the PK.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Washington ML
The main play here is taking the Pens on the ml, but I’m also in love with the OVER 5 in this one. This series should be a 6-7 game long haul with the winner eventually advancing to the Stanley Cup finals as the eastern champion.
I like the Pittsburgh upper hand here in game 1.
NHL Free Score Prediction: Pittsburgh ML
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