Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions April 17th 2025

Capitals Look to Build Playoff Momentum in Season Finale vs. Penguins

As the NHL regular season winds down, all eyes turn to Pittsburgh for one final showdown between two historic rivals—the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. But this time, the stakes are one-sided.

The Capitals (51-21-9, 111 points) are skating into the playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, prepping for a deep postseason run. Meanwhile, the Penguins (33-36-12, 78 points) will watch the playoffs from the couch for the third straight year, a shocking fall for a once-dominant franchise.

Yet, as cliché as it sounds, any game featuring Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby still matters—rivalry or not. It’s the 73rd regular-season duel between two of the greatest to ever lace up skates. And while this may be just one more game for the standings, it’s a statement opportunity for both clubs—for very different reasons.

Capitals: Getting Back to Playoff Form

Despite their strong record, Washington has stumbled lately. A 4-6-1 skid in their past 11 games has left some fans uneasy. In back-to-back losses before their most recent game, the Caps were outscored 11-1, raising questions about defensive structure, line chemistry, and overall readiness.

But the tide may be turning.

On Tuesday, the Capitals delivered one of their most complete efforts of the month in a 3-1 road win over the New York Islanders. It wasn’t just a bounce-back—it was a tone-setter.

The Capitals looked sharp on both ends of the ice, executing clean zone exits, generating sustained offensive pressure, and staying disciplined in their own end. If that effort carries into the postseason, Washington could be a real problem for any opponent.

Check current match odds and momentum analysis on the NHL Odds Page.

Dylan Strome’s Breakout Year

One of the brightest spots in the Capitals’ campaign has been the breakout season from Dylan Strome. Skating alongside legends like Ovechkin, the 27-year-old has found his stride—racking up career highs across the board with 29 goals, 52 assists, and 81 points.

He notched his third NHL hat trick against the Islanders, showing how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling.

With a resurgent offense and key contributions from players beyond the first line, Washington looks deeper than they have in years.

Explore in-depth player stat trends and game picks at the NHL Pick Page.

Nic Dowd Staying Put

On the eve of the finale, the Capitals locked in a crucial piece of their bottom six—Nic Dowd signed a two-year contract extension. The 34-year-old, known for his penalty-killing and physical edge, has posted a career-best 27 points this season.

Dowd’s presence on the fourth line adds the kind of playoff grit every contender needs. And with the PK looking solid all year, his return ensures continued stability in crucial situations.

Need more roster insights? Visit the NHL Team Page to view team depth charts and injury updates.

Penguins: A Season of Frustration

This isn’t the Penguins team of a decade ago.

Despite moments of competitive spirit, Pittsburgh failed to qualify for the postseason for the third straight year. Even more telling—they’ll finish with their first losing season under head coach Mike Sullivan, a tough pill for a proud franchise.

Their latest outing—a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins—was a microcosm of their season. Defensive lapses, low energy, and missed opportunities defined the night.

That “one guy” was Tristan Jarry, who made 28 saves in the loss. He’s gone 4-1-1 over his last six starts, suggesting the issue isn’t between the pipes—it’s everywhere else.

Track goaltending trends and advanced team metrics in our Expert Betting Guide.

Rakell and Crosby: Lone Bright Spots

Even in a rough season, some Penguins stood tall.

Rickard Rakell put together the best campaign of his career, finishing with 35 goals and 69 points, both career highs. After netting only 15 goals in 70 games last year, this bounce-back has been impressive.

Sidney Crosby, despite missing the playoffs, continued to be the model of consistency. His home point streak was snapped at 14 games, but he still leads the team in scoring and remains among the league’s elite at age 37.

And let’s not forget: Ovechkin vs. Crosby, even in a game with no playoff implications, will always be electric.

View historical stats and trends on iconic matchups at the NHL Metropolitan Division Odds.

Letang Out After Heart Surgery

In sobering news, Kris Letang underwent a minor heart procedure this week and will miss the Penguins’ finale. The team reported he’s recovering well, but it’s a reminder of the physical toll these athletes endure.

Letang, 37, is a cornerstone of the Penguins’ blue line and has battled through multiple health scares over the years with unbelievable grit.

Ice-Cold Profits Await

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What to Watch in the Finale

Even without playoff implications, this finale has several storylines worth following:

• Can Washington lock in rhythm before the playoffs?
• Will Strome and Ovechkin continue their chemistry?
• Does Pittsburgh play spoiler and finish on a high note?
• Can Jarry steal the show once more in net?

These teams may be heading in different directions, but the energy at PPG Paints Arena will still be electric when puck drops.

Get updated pre-game lines and late-breaking roster changes from the NHL Team Page.

Looking Ahead: Playoffs and Beyond

Washington heads into the playoffs with renewed confidence and one of the most balanced rosters they’ve had in years. From top-line scoring to deep third-line contributors, this team looks built for the grind.

Visit our Stanley Cup Odds page for futures bets and series previews as the Caps prepare to chase the Cup.

Penguins at a Crossroads

The offseason will be full of questions for Pittsburgh. Do they keep Sullivan? Rebuild the core? Say goodbye to long-standing veterans?

Stay tuned for the latest predictions and team breakdowns on our NHL Conference Winner blog.