Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Penguins vs Capitals NHL Odds
Looking for Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Penguins taking on the Capitals on Tuesday February 23rd at Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey games all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions like this Penguins Capitals matchup.
NHL Handicapping Analysis
(9-6-1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals (9-5-3)
Date: Tuesday, February 23rd
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington DC
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Penguins -105| Capitals -115
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: Capitals -1.5 (+200)
NHL Betting Total: 6.5
The Pittsburgh Penguins would seem to be in a good spot, winners of 4 of their last 5 and with an extra day of rest when they visit Washington on Tuesday. Their only loss over the last five came to these Capitals however.
Both teams are playing well, hence the virtual toss-up odds. Pittsburgh has played well lately, but are also still just 2-5-1 away from PPG Paints Arena this season. The Caps are 6-3-1 on their own ice this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have taken 3 of 4 from Washington this season, but all four games have been in Pittsburgh and two needed OT to be decided. Can the teams match up as well when the contests shift to Washington?
Either way Mike Sullivan’s squad has the advantage of momentum on their side. Pittsburgh looked dominant in a 4-1 win over a good Islanders team last Thursday and repeated the feat 3-2 on Saturday.
Bryan Rust has netted 4 goals in the last 5 games for Pittsburgh, and Kris Letang got hot netting two against the Islanders on Saturday. Sidney Crosby had two helpers to lead the NYI win, and has points in 5 of the last 6.
Tristan Jarry has posted a .920 or better save percentage in three straight, which is saying something because he’s getting absolutely peppered. The Islanders averaged 33 SOG over the weekend and the Caps got 42 off the last meeting.
Washington Capitals
Pittsburgh has given up a ton of opportunities, which says something because they are usually pretty good in ranking 12th in the league on shots against. The Caps are a top 10 scoring team and have the #2 power play.
Tuesday’s meeting will really be the first test for the Capitals since these teams met up last week. Since then Washington has toppled Buffalo and New Jersey, while losing to the Rangers. The three worst teams in the East.
Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to the Rangers was downright ugly, as New York scored 4 goals on just 24 shots. Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin shut down the Washington offense, stopping 26 of 27 SOG.
Vitek Vanecek is the likely starter in net for Washington, and he’s allowed a goal or less in two of the last three starts. Vanecek hasn’t faced over 30 shots during that span though, and the Penguins average 30.
NHL Betting Trends:
- Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
- Penguins are 2-8 in their last 10 road games.
- Capitals are 4-1 in their last 5 games as a favorite.
- Over is 37-14 in Capitals last 51 home games.
- Over is 7-1 in the last 8 h2h meetings.
Free Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals NHL Prediction:
This game looks like a toss-up. Washington would seem to get the huge edge playing at home but they’ve also matched up with three bad opponents the last two games while Pittsburgh has been challenged by the Islanders.
The total would seem to be the route to go here. It’s gone ‘over’ in 7 of the last 8 meetings but is jacked up to 6.5 for Tuesday’s meeting. That seems on the high side with a couple goaltenders who have played well lately.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Under 6.5
Pitt has scored 4+ goals in three of four head to head meetings this season. That will be harder to accomplish in the first game in Washington this year.
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