On Saturday afternoon, we will be treated to an ABC national matinee telecast of two hated powerhouse NHL rivals when the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Washington Capitals. For the past 15 years, the Capitals and Penguins have had one of the best rivalries in NHL betting.
It all starts with the personal rivalry between the two marquee men of each franchise. Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Washington’s Alex Ovechkin are transformational figures. Each arrived at a team out of favor in their respective cities. Now they are leaders of perennial powers.
NHL Betting Lines at BookMaker.eu
On Saturday, April 9, 2022, the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This game will take place at 3 p.m. ET with television coverage on ABC.
Odds Analysis
Saturday’s NHL wagering activity for this game will be equal. Sharps love a quality hockey team on the road. Their rationale is the good prices that come with such clubs. On the other hand, squares flock to power teams playing at home. It’s like the way Linus would cling to his blanket.
Washington Capitals
Washington has dropped four of its last six games. The Caps have cleared the total in eight of their most recent ten games. Now the Capitals are 37-22-10 with 39-28 over the total. Washington is 21-7-5 on the road. The Caps have NHL rankings of 12th for goal scoring, 21st for power play efficiency, 11th for goals against, and 13th for penalty killing.
Alex Ovechkin leads the Capitals in scoring with 42 goals, 32 assists, and a +2. The Great Eight is the greatest goal scorer of this current era where goal scoring is difficult. Goalie Ilya Samsonov has a save percentage of .899, while Washington’s other netminder, Vitek Vanecek, brings a .911 save percentage.
Washington has won ten of its last 13 away matchups. Specifically, against the division opponents, the Capitals are 8-4 on the board. Washington is 7-5 vs. the line as an underdog. Washington is 7-1 over the total on the road. And then the Capitals are 8-3 over the total against division rivals. In six of its last seven games, Washington has gone over the total as an underdog.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh has seen the payout window in only two of its most recent six games. The Penguins have gone over the NHL betting total in four of their most recent six tilts. As a result, Pittsburgh is 41-19-10 with 34-33 over the total. While on home ice, the Pens are 10-10-5. NHL rankings have Pittsburgh 10th for goal scoring, 12th for power play efficiency, 3rd for goals against, and 2nd for penalty killing.
Future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh with 26 goals, 46 assists, and a +14. Also, goalie Tristan Jarry boasts a .921 save percentage and looks like a playoff asset.
Pittsburgh is 4-5 on the board against the Metropolitan Division. As a favorite, the Penguins are 8-3 vs. the spread. Pittsburgh is 5-2 in their most recent seven home games. The Penguins are 1-5-1 under the total in division games. Pittsburgh is 4-6-1 under the total as chalk. The Penguins are 8-3-1 over the total at home.
Washington vs. Pittsburgh Prediction
Head-to-Head, Pittsburgh has won seven of its last 11 games against Washington. The Penguins and Capitals are 12-3 over the total. The Capitals have lost three of their most recent five games at PPG Paints Arena. This rivalry is 7-1 over the total at Pittsburgh.
In this situation, with two evenly matched teams, the Capitals bring the far better price. As the saying goes, you can throw out the records when these clubs clash.
BookMaker Pick: Washington Capitals
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
