The Penguins travel to Washington, D.C., to face the Capitals in a high-stakes Metropolitan Division matchup at Capital One Arena. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. Tonight, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin rekindle one of the NHL’s most storied rivalries in a game with potential playoff implications.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Capitals
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; NBC Sports Washington; ESPN+
The Penguins and Capitals face off for the second time this season. Pittsburgh took the first game 4-2. These long-time rivals are in very different positions. Washington is tops of the Eastern conference, battling for the league lead in points. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is vying for a wildcard spot among a group of teams all trying to get the spots available.
The Penguins’ Story
The Penguins are 19-20-8 this season, sitting five teams back for a wildcard spot. Pittsburgh is in the second half of a back-to-back, having won 5-2 against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night. Sidney Crosby leads the team with 48 points in 47 games. The captain is going for his 20th straight point per game season. Behind him, Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin has been major point producers for the team. Rakell is 39 points in 47 games, with 23 goals.
In net, Joel Blomqvist is likely to get the start following Alex Nedeljkovic’s win against Buffalo. Blomqvist got some NHL action early in the season, pitching a .904 save percentage with a 3-5-0 record. Blomqvist has made a
The Capitals’ Story
The Washington Capitals have been a major surprise this season. With a 30-10-5 record, theyre tied for the league lead in points. Former third-overall pick Dylan Strome leads the team in points with 46 in 45 games. Aliaksei Protas has continued his excellent development, scoring 36 points including 18 goals in 45 games. Legendary forward Alex Ovechkin has 21 goals in just 29 games. He’s just about 21 goals off from Wayne Gretzkys goals record.
Goaltending has been a massive area of strength for Washington. Former Vegas Golden Knight Logan Thompson has been dominant in net this season. He has a 20-2-3 record with a .924 save percentage. Behind him, Charlie Lindgren is 10-8-2 with a .901 save percentage. Either goalie will be tough for the Penguins to beat.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh is in desperate need of a win streak to gain some ground in the playoff race. Expect a tight game with the Penguins coming out on top.
NHL Prediction: Penguins win 5-3.
Prop Bet for the Night
FanDuel’s Total Goals Over 7 (+172) – With Ovechkin and the Capitals rolling, and Pittsburgh’s powerplay being just as hot, expect a high score in this game.
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