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Mike Schultz
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals Odds: 2016 NHL Playoffs
The second round of the playoffs sees a battle between two marquee captains. This is only the second time Ovechkin and Crosby have met in the playoffs, the last being a seven-game ride in in 2009, won by the Penguins on their way to the championship. The Capitals have been the odds favorite to win the Stanley Cup all year, and they are slightly favored to win this round against the Penguins at -135.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2: Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Series Winner Odds:Capitals -135
Home Team Advantage: Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
This round won’t look anything like their 6 game rumble against the Flyers. The Penguins are a tighter team with a more focused offence, and that’s going to put a lot of pressure on Caps’ goalie Braden Holtby. The Vezina Trophy contender was excellent in round one, with a 0.84 goals-against average and .968 save percentage. He’ll have to be even better against Crosby and Co. Of course, all eyes will be on Ovechkin, who has been denied a Stanley Cup championship since his career started eleven years ago. He’ll have to play a smart, physical game if he wants to lead his team past this round.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins are one of the deepest teams in the league, with all four lines producing for the team in every game. They are also one of the fastest groups on the ice, and their special teams have been ultra sharp. In the first round against the Rangers, their power-play was at 38.1%. With Marc-André Fleury still out with a concussion, Pittsburgh will be counting on 21-year-old back-up goalie Matt Murray to keep his cool against an offensively stronger team. The Penguins have the deep roster and the experience to shatter the Capitals’ championship hopes if they can maintain the roll that they’re on now.
Prediction: Penguins in 7
