Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals Prediction 1/18/25 NHL Picks

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals meet Saturday in NHL action at the Capital One Arena. Here’s a Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals Prediction. This article will include a Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals Pick.

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Kraken, beat the Sabres, and play the Kings, Ducks, and Kraken next. The Pittsburgh Penguins are averaging 2.96 goals per game and are scoring 25.6 percent of their power play opportunities. Rickard Rakell leads Pittsburgh with 23 goals, Sidney Crosby has 36 assists, and Erik Karlsson has 116 shots on goal. Defensively, the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing 3.67 goals per game and are killing 79.2 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Tristan Jarry has allowed 69 goals on 596 shots faced, and Alex Nedelijkovic has given up 65 goals on 593 shots.

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals beat the Senators and Ducks, and they play the Oilers, Kraken, and Canucks next. The Washington Capitals are averaging 3.56 goals per game and are scoring 23.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Alex Ovechkin leads Washington with 21 goals, Dylan Strome has 34 assists and Connor McMichael has 104 shots on goal. Defensively, the Washington Capitals are allowing 2.47 goals per game and are killing 83.9 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Charlie Lindgren has allowed 54 goals on 538 shots faced, and Logan Thompson has given up 53 goals on 699 shots.

Why the Washington Capitals will win

• The Penguins have lost eight of their last nine road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Capitals have won eight of their last nine night games after coming off overtime.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last eight Saturday night games.
• The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Penguins have lost the second period in each of their last four road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Why the Pittsburgh Penguins will win

• The Penguins have won three of their last four games as underdogs on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Capitals have lost four of their last eight games as favorites against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The road team has covered the puck line in 12 of the last 13 games between the Penguins and Capitals.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in 16 of their last 20 games as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals Injury Report

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without Kris Letang and Jack St. Ivany.

The Washington Capitals will be without Sonny Milano and Charlie Lindgren.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Washington Capitals Prediction

The Pittsburgh Penguins have won five of the last eight games against the Capitals and this is a rivalry game, so they’ll be up for it. The problem is the Penguins are having issues finishing games lately and their defense has allowed three or more goals in eight of their last nine games. The Washington Capitals have allowed a combined one goal in their last three games, and they’re at home, where they’re 15-4-4 on the season. The Penguins are worth a look given the upsets they’ve had against the Caps over the years. However, based on current form and home dominance, give me the Washington Capitals. And of course I’ll lay the PL to shave down the price.