Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals Prediction, NHL Odds

Edgar Chaput | Updated Jan 25, 2023

NHL: Washington Capitals at Colorado Avalanche

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Regardless of their position in the standings, regardless of the season or the time of year, Penguins vs Capitals means only thing for many people: Sidney Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin.

Pittsburgh
35-26-9-1
AT
January 26, 2023, 7:00 PM ET
Capital One Arena
Washington
33-31-5-3
Puckline +1.5 -224
Moneyline +114
Over / Under o +6.5

51%

Betting Action

49%

Matchup NHL Odds
Puckline -1.5 +186
Moneyline -137
Over / Under u +6.5

51%

Betting Action

49%

Matchup NHL Odds

Pittsburgh heads to the District of Columbia on Thursday night to face one of its most popular rivals, the Washington Capitals.

Check the NHL odds as they develop.

Penguins vs. Capitals NHL Betting Odds

Disappointingly, only three contests are scheduled between these fan-favourite squads, Thursday night’s being the middle chapter of the trilogy. On Nov. 9, the Pens skated away 4-1 winners in Washington and will therefore look to take a 2-0 lead in the season series in addition to sweeping both games on the road. As a matter of fact, the away side has earned the spoils in each of the past four meetings.

This matchup is all the juicier since both Pittsburgh and Washington are deadlocked at 56 points in the standings and hold the seventh and eighth spots in the Eastern Conference, respectively. Of the two rivals, the Capitals have proven to be a more trustworthy bet against the puck line. Their efforts have merited a decent 27-23 tally ATS, whereas the Penguins are only 21-26.

Pittsburgh is mostly inconsistent ATS. Since Jan. 1, they are 6-5 in that regard. The Capitals need to watch out, however. Despite their superior performance ATS, they have only mustered a 4-7 showing this month.

Pittsburgh Penguins

It was a wild and whacky night at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday. The Florida Panthers were in town and looked to climb the standings and play catch-up with the hosts. What ensued was a contest for which the fans got their money’s worth.

By the time to horn sounded to conclude the first period, the teams were locked in a breathtaking 3-3 affair. Goaltending was optional on this night, but it certainly made for a fun game. Kris Letang’s return from an extended absence proved beneficial for his mates. He scored his third of the season late in the first period, had a hand in Evgeni Malkin’s third period marker to make it 6-5, and rocketed a one-timer in overtime for a 7-6 final. Sidney Crosby also netted his 23rd on a slick backhand breakaway goal. Pittsburgh’s power play clicked to the tune of 3-for-5. One wonders if Casey DeSmith was thrilled or relieved by the end.

Washington Capitals

In contrast to their guests, the Capitals were engaged in a low-scoring tilt with the defending champion Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday from Mile High.

Their greatest foe of the evening was not Artturi Lehkonen – even though he scored an awesome goal off a brave pass by Nathan MacKinnon – or Alex Newhook, who netted the game-winner and his 11th on a sensational race from the right flank that allowed him to snipe a wrist shot past Darcy Kuemper. It was Alexander Georgiev, Kuemper’s replacement in Denver, who stole the show. He repelled 35 of the 37 shots fired in his direction, with the cherry on top being a save in the dying minutes with his helmet as he sprawled across his crease. it was an instantaneous candidate for save of the year and will surely be played on highlight reels all season. AlexanderOvechkin earned his 31st in the third frame from his preferred spot in the circle.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Penguins vs. Capitals?

NHL Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • PIT
  • +114 -137
  • WAS
Matchup NHL Odds