Penguins vs Capitals NHL Odds & Expert Prediction

The last three Stanley Cup Champions throw down on the ice on Tuesday, Dec. 19 when Washington hosts Pittsburgh. The Capitals won the Stanley Cup last season. They lead the solid Metropolitan Division where 6 of the 8 teams have .500 or better records. Chasing them? The Penguins who can make up ground with a big win in D.C. Who takes it in this fantastic Tuesday night matchup?

Penguins vs Capitals NHL Odds & Expert Prediction

: Penguins vs. Capitals : Wednesday Night Hockey : Capital One Arena and NBCSN : Tonight, 8:00PM ET : Why not? pic.twitter.com/infnd31Aaq
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 19, 2018

When: Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 8:00 pm ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
TV: NBCSN
Over/Under Total Odds: 6.5
Puck Line Odds: Washington -1 ½ +180

Why Pittsburgh Penguins are a good bet +115?

With a 15-12-4 record, Pittsburgh hasn’t dominated this season. They could be on the verge of becoming a force in the Eastern Conference, though, because they’ve gone 2-1 in their last 3 and 3-2 in their last 5. The 2 losses were to Western Conference squads Chicago and Anaheim. The Pens have beaten the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins in 2 out of their last 5 matches. There’s a chance they really step it up on Dec. 19.

Team Statistics

Offense:

Goals For: 3.4
Shots For: 32.6
Power Plays: 22.8%
Face-Offs: 49.8%

Defense:

Goals Against: 3.2
Shots Against: 32.9
Penalty Kills: 82.1%
Shutouts: 3

Why Washington Capitals are a good bet -135?

Are the Capitals a safe NHL pick for Wednesday night?

Washington hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins on fire. They Caps have won 5 straight. They haven’t dominated, but it doesn’t matter. Winning 5 straight NHL games speaks to Washington’s quality.

In their last couple of matches, the Capitals pushed their opponents into shootouts. They won both, 6-5 at Carolina and 4-3 at home against Buffalo. Washington showed in the two wins that they won’t quit and are serious contenders to repeat. They won’t take the Pens lightly on Tuesday.

Team Statistics

Offense:

Goals For: 3.7
Shots For: 29.8
Power Plays: 26.3%
Face-Offs: 48.1%

Defense:

Goals Against: 3.1
Shots Against: 31.8
Penalty Kills: 75.2%
Shutouts: 2

NHL Betting Trends for Penguins vs Capitals

Pittsburgh is 1-7 ATS in the last 8 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-8 SU in the last 10 games on the road
The total went UNDER in 9 of Pittsburgh’s last 13 games when playing Washington
Washington is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in the last 5 games
The total went OVER in 7 of Washington’s last 8 games

Penguins vs Capitals Final NHL Betting Analysis

It’s tempting to back the Pens in this matchup. After all, they did win the Stanley Cup back-to-back in 2015 and 2016. They also rank in the top 10 in most offensive categories.

But, the Washington Capitals are scorching. Not only that, but the Caps face a squad that hasn’t performed well on the road, and that they own in the head-to-head. The Pens are 1-4 in the last 5 matches in D.C. and 2-5 in the last 7 overall. Washington gets the nod.

NHL Betting Pick: Washington Capitals -135