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Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
Two of the NHL’s greatest rivals meet again Thursday as Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals visit Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
The puck drops at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN+.
Ovechkin comes in fresh off his 900th career NHL goal, part of a 6-1 win over the Blues that snapped a four-game skid. Washington finally showed life offensively, getting two goals each from Tom Wilson and Anthony Beauvillier. The Capitals also extended their penalty-kill streak to 12 straight.
Crosby and the Penguins return home after blowing a 3-0 lead in Toronto. Ben Kindel, Pittsburgh’s 18-year-old rookie, scored twice in the loss, but injuries have become a concern.
This will mark the 74th regular-season meeting between Ovechkin and Crosby — Crosby has 95 points in those games, Ovechkin 68.
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest NHL odds, Washington opened as a -113 favorite, while Pittsburgh sat at -107.
Current lines show a slight uptick toward the Penguins, moving the matchup closer to even money:
- Capitals ML: -110 → -115
- Penguins ML: -110 → +105
- Puckline: Capitals +1.5 (-275), Penguins -1.5 (+220)
- Total: 6 (Over -120, Under +100)
Sharp bettors are leaning Over 6, with 65% of early money favoring goals. The public remains split on the moneyline, with 52% backing Washington.
Matchup Breakdown
Washington Capitals Outlook
Washington snapped its losing streak behind balanced scoring and a locked-in defense. Logan Thompson turned aside 23 shots against the Blues, and the penalty kill continues to be reliable.
The Capitals have scored 37 goals in 13 games, ranking mid-pack offensively but improving their shot quality in recent games. Tom Wilson leads the team with 15 points in 13 contests, and Jakob Chychrun has been steady on the blue line with nine assists.
Pittsburgh Penguins Outlook
Pittsburgh’s home ice has been kind, but defensive collapses have been an issue. The Penguins rank top five in total blocks (230) but struggle to hold leads.
Sidney Crosby (17 points) and Evgeni Malkin (19 points) continue to carry the offense, while Rickard Rakell and Tristan Jarry remain sidelined. Pittsburgh’s power play, ranked fifth in the league, is still a weapon, converting over 26% of opportunities.
Expect the Penguins to press early to avoid another third-period fade.
Injuries and Conditions
Washington Capitals Injury Report
- Pierre-Luc Dubois (C): Out, lower body
- Ethen Frank (C): Out, undisclosed
Full update: Washington Capitals injury report
Pittsburgh Penguins Injury Report
- Tristan Jarry (G): Out, lower body (3+ weeks)
- Noel Acciari (C): Out, upper body
- Rickard Rakell (LW): Out, hand
- Tanner Howe (LW): Out, undisclosed
- Multiple depth players remain on IR.
Full update: Pittsburgh Penguins injury report
No weather factor — indoor game at PPG Paints Arena.
Best Bets and Prediction
Washington’s special teams look sharper, and the Penguins’ goaltending gap could decide this one. Expect Ovechkin to find space against an injury-depleted defense.
Trend to note: Penguins have covered the puckline in 10 of 12 games but have allowed 11 goals over their last two.
Projected Score: Capitals 4, Penguins 3
Best Bet: Over 6 (-120)
Secondary Lean: Capitals ML (-115)
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