Pittsburgh Penguins (40-31-11 last season) vs. Washington Capitals (35-37-10 last season)
The NHL is back in full swing, and fans are in for a treat as two rivals face off in an early-season clash. The Pittsburgh Penguins, coming off a slightly better last season record of 40-31-11, are set to battle the Washington Capitals, who wrapped up the previous season at 35-37-10. Both teams look to make a statement in this matchup and move up the rankings. As we look ahead to the game, we dive into the NHL picks and prediction, gauging the strengths, weaknesses, and possible outcomes.
The Penguins’ offensive firepower is well represented by their team leaders, Jake Guentzel, Marcus Pettersson, and Kris Letang. Although Guentzel, a Left Wing, hasn’t started the season firing on all cylinders, with only one assist and no goals so far, he will undoubtedly be a focal point for the Capitals defense. With Letang and Pettersson both acting as key playmakers from the defensive end, their offensive contributions can’t be underestimated. Given Washington’s defensive stats from the last season, Pittsburgh might find some openings on the ice.
Conversely, Washington Capitals have a robust offense led by the legendary Alex Ovechkin, who wrapped up the last season with a whopping 42 goals. Accompanied by Dylan Strome and Evgeny Kuznetsov, the trio poses a significant threat. Their combined goal tally and playmaking abilities could challenge the Penguins’ defensive setup, particularly given their numbers against Eastern Conference teams last season.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals Game Info
| When: | Friday, October 13, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Capital One Arena |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Tristan Jarry vs. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper
Tristan Jarry will be guarding the net for Pittsburgh. Having played only one game this season, Jarry’s stats reflect his abilities to keep the puck out, with a save percentage of 0.914. Against Washington’s strong offense, his role will be crucial, especially when dealing with Ovechkin’s shots.
On the other side, Darcy Kuemper is the last line of defense for the Capitals. With 57 games under his belt last season and a save percentage of 0.909, he’ll be up for the challenge against Pittsburgh’s shooters. Given Pittsburgh’s recent game trends, Kuemper might face numerous shots on goal and will have to be at his best.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Penguins -119, Total Odds: 6.5
The betting odds suggest a close game, with Pittsburgh slightly favored. Given the competitive nature of this rivalry, the slim edge given to the Penguins reflects their slight edge in form and last season’s performance. The Capitals, despite being underdogs at +106, bring an explosive offense which, on its day, can surprise even the staunchest of defenses. Meanwhile, with the total set at 6.5, considering the Penguins’ trend, the UNDER might be worth a look for those looking to wager on the game’s total goals.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
Pittsburgh has seen the total go UNDER in 6 of their last 7 games, which might suggest a more defensive approach lately. Their 2-4 straight up record in the last 6 games also indicates some inconsistencies. Their strength seems to lie in away games, especially against Washington, where they are 4-2 in their last six. However, against Metropolitan Division rivals, their 5-14 record suggests a vulnerability that the Capitals might exploit.
Washington Capitals Betting Trends
For the Capitals, their games have leaned towards high-scoring affairs with the total going OVER in 5 of their last 6 games. Their form, however, has been shaky with a 1-8 straight up record in the last 9 games. Their home record is also a concern at 1-4 in the last 5 games. Notably, against Pittsburgh, the total has gone OVER in 14 of their last 19 games.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals 10/13/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ strengths and vulnerabilities, this game promises to be a nail-biter. The Capitals’ offense, led by Ovechkin, might just edge past the Penguins’ defensive line. However, betting on Pittsburgh, especially considering their away form against Washington, might yield positive returns. For those looking to place their bets, it’s always advisable to explore the best live betting website for the latest odds and updates.
Free Pick and Prediction: Washington Capitals 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 3
