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Jeremy Perry
Capitals vs. Penguins: Game 2 Prediction, NHL Playoff Odds
The Pittsburgh Penguins were considered a nightmare matchup for the Washington Capitals in the second round. Everything that happened in Game 1 reinforced that notion. With Evgeni Malkin and Carl Hagelin both sidelined, the Penguins managed to battle back from a 2-0 hole to beat the Capitals 3-2 and take a 1-0 series lead. Making matters worse is the fact that Malkin skated on Friday and could be ready by the time that Game 2 rolls around on Sunday afternoon. Washington can’t afford to go down 0-2 in the series before it shifts to Pittsburgh for Games 3 and 4. Can the Capitals bounce back with a big win in this NHL matchup?
Capitals vs. Penguins Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Analysis
The good news with Washington is that we know they have been a decent bounce back team. They have a .636 winning percentage this season in games following a loss. They are 9-5 when revenging a home loss to an opponent this season.
For what it’s worth, the Caps are just 3-6 on Sundays while the Pens were 8-3.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals will be playing with a sense of urgency as they attempt to avoid another 0-2 series hole. Losing twice on home ice to Columbus is one thing. Losing twice on home ice to the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins would be a monumental task to overcome.
Washington had its chances to put away Pittsburgh in Game 1 but couldn’t find the back of the net after taking a 2-0 lead. Alex Ovechkin in particular was snake bitten with two missed opportunities that were shown on the highlight reel over and over again. Ovechkin did register a goal and an assist in the series opener and will need to continue to produce in order for the Capitals to have a shot in this series.
The main issue right now is the Caps have to figure out what to do in net. Braden Holtby will be in the spotlight after suffering his first loss of this postseason. Holtby stopped just 22 of the 25 shots he faced in the opening loss. That’s a lousy .880 save percentage. If he struggles again in Game 2, the Capitals could end up flipping back to Phil Grubauer. It’s only Game 2 but it feels like last call for the Caps. They better sort this out.
Pittsburgh Penguins
After scoring five goals or more in each of their four wins over the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, the Penguins needed three goals to take down Washington in Game 1. Jake Guentzel continued his playoff dominance with the game-winning goal and two assists. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist in the win. Pittsburgh’s top line carried them in the series opener but they could be even more dangerous offensively if Malkin returns to the lineup for Game 2.
The other important element here is that the Pens got a strong effort out of Matt Murray. Yes, he gave up two goals but it could have been worse and he kept the Pens in the game. At the other end of the ice, the Caps have to be wondering what to do in net as they can’t get any consistent play between the pipes.
