-
Jeremy Perry
Penguins vs. Capitals: Game 1 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been a thorn in the side of the Washington Capitals and their fans over the last decade. It’s only fitting that they meet again on the road to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Penguins and Capitals will clash in the second round for the third consecutive season and the fourth time since 2009. Pittsburgh won each of those three series’, including in a decisive seventh game a year ago. It will be particularly important for Washington to capitalize on the opportunity with Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin both sidelined for Game 1.
Penguins vs. Capitals Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
It’s no secret that the Capitals have absolutely dominated the recent playoff meetings between these teams. However, Washington forced Pittsburgh to Game 7 when they met in the second round last year. They will need to carry over the momentum from their first round series after winning four straight to eliminate the Columbus Blue Jackets. Washington is now 16-5 in its last 21 games overall.
Meanwhile, the Penguins are 5-0 in their last five road games so don’t expect them to lay down even without Malkin and Hagelin in Game 1. One thing to keep an eye on is Pittsburgh’s scoring. The Penguins are 2-9 in their last 11 games after scoring five goals or more in their previous game.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have eliminated Washington in the playoffs on their way to winning each of their last five Stanley Cup championships. The two-time defending Cup champs know what it will take to beat the Capitals again in this series but will need to survive Game 1 with two of their top forwards. Malkin has been an absolute beast in these playoffs with three goals and five points while Hagelin had three points in the series with Philadelphia.
It will be on Sidney Crosby, who leads the NHL with six goals and 13 points in these playoffs, to step up and lead the way again up front in Game 1. Jake Guentzel has really picked up his play in the postseason with six goals and 13 points. The next highest point total on the Pittsburgh roster is Kris Letang with seven. That means a lot of the pressure will be on the Crosby-Guentzel line in this NHL matchup. Meanwhile, it’s been a tale of two sides for goaltender Matt Murray. Murray allowed a combined seven goals in two losses to the Flyers compared to just one goal in his first three wins against them before allowing five goals in the series-clinching Game 6. The Penguins need Murray to play to his potential in order to get past the Capitals once again in this round.
Washington Capitals
Washington will also rely heavily on its goaltender after Braden Holtby led them back from down 2-0 in their series with the Blue Jackets. Holtby registered a 1.92 goals against average and a .932 save percentage in the opening round. If he can post similar numbers in this series, then the Capitals will have an excellent chance to finally take down Pittsburgh. Keep in mind that Holtby didn’t get the start in the series due to his ugly .887 save percentage after the All-Star break. If that Holtby shows up again, the Caps could be in trouble.
Meanwhile, Washington needs its offense to click in Game 1, which hasn’t been a problem so far. They’ve scored at least three goals in every playoff game this year, averaging 4.0 goals per game. The pressure is on this forward group to compete with what the Penguins will bring to the table and find a way to finally win a series against them. It’s a bit of a mental hurdle now, though, so a win in Game 1 would really help the Caps.
