Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Tuesday, Jan. 02

We have your Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Washington Capitals hit the road to face the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (18-13-4) are set to host the Washington Capitals (17-11-6) in a classic NHL rivalry clash. With both teams looking to assert their dominance in the Metropolitan Division, this game promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Odds Info

Moneyline: Washington Capitals +150 (PointsBet) / Pittsburgh Penguins -175 (DraftKings)

Puck Line: -1.5 – Washington Capitals -166 (DraftKings) / Pittsburgh Penguins +143 (BetRivers)

Total: 5.5 – +110 (PointsBet) / -130 (PointsBet)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 02

Time: 07:30 PM

Location: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA

TV: ESPN+

Washington Capitals Betting Trends

• This season, the Washington Capitals have hit 12 overs and 22 unders.
• On the road this season, the Washington Capitals have hit 8 overs and 9 unders.
• As the underdog this season, the Washington Capitals have hit 8 overs and 15 unders.

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends

• This season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have hit 14 overs and 21 unders.
• At home this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have hit 6 overs and 11 unders.
• As the favorite this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have hit 9 overs and 11 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the course of the last two seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have faced off four times, with the Penguins emerging victorious in three of those encounters. The games, spanning from November 2022 to October 2023, have seen an even split in terms of venue advantage, with both the visiting and home teams securing two wins each. When it comes to betting statistics, the Penguins have proven to be the more reliable pick against the spread, covering it in three out of the four games, while the Capitals have only managed to do so once. In terms of the over-under bets, the majority of these matchups have tended to be lower-scoring affairs, with the under hitting three times compared to the over’s single occurrence. Other notable statistics from these games include the Penguins’ strong performance in the faceoff circle and their effective power play, which contributed to their wins.

The most recent game between the two teams took place on October 13, 2023, and saw the Pittsburgh Penguins dominate the Washington Capitals with a decisive 4-0 victory. The Penguins, who were the favorites with a closing moneyline of -122, outshot the Capitals 35-19 and were particularly effective on the power play, converting two out of three opportunities. Sidney Crosby led the scoring with two goals, while Evgeni Malkin and Reilly Smith also found the back of the net. Malkin had a particularly impactful game, contributing to three of the four goals with one goal and two assists. The Penguins’ goaltender, Tristan Jarry, recorded a shutout, stopping all 19 shots he faced. This game not only highlighted the Penguins’ offensive prowess but also their defensive solidity, as they blocked 22 shots and limited the Capitals’ scoring chances throughout the contest.

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Predictions

The Penguins come into this game on a three-game winning streak, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. With Sidney Crosby leading the team in goals and Jake Guentzel topping the assists and points tally, Pittsburgh’s offensive unit looks formidable. The Penguins’ defense has also been solid, tied for fourth fewest goals against in the NHL, and their second-ranked save percentage speaks volumes about their goaltending prowess.

On the other side, the Capitals are trying to snap a four-game losing streak that has seen them struggle to find the back of the net. Dylan Strome has been a standout for Washington, leading the team in goals and points, while John Carlson has been the primary playmaker. However, the Capitals will need to step up their game defensively and on special teams, as they face a Penguins team that has been particularly effective on the power play.

This matchup also features a head-to-head between two of the league’s top stars: Pittsburgh’s Crosby and Washington’s Alex Ovechkin. Both players have had storied careers and their performance could be a deciding factor in the outcome of the game. With the Penguins looking to maintain their momentum and the Capitals eager to turn their fortunes around, fans can expect a tightly contested game filled with skillful plays and strategic battles on the ice.

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Pick

Considering the recent trends and the historic head-to-head statistics, the ‘Under’ seems to be the most compelling pick for this matchup. The Penguins and Capitals have consistently played games where the total score has remained low, with the ‘Under’ hitting in three out of their last four meetings. Additionally, this season’s betting trends show that both teams have more frequently stayed under the total line, with the Capitals hitting 22 unders and the Penguins 21. The Penguins’ strong defensive record this season, tied for the fourth-fewest goals against in the NHL, combined with their excellent save percentage, suggests that they will be able to contain the Capitals’ offense, which has struggled during their four-game losing streak.

Furthermore, the most recent encounter between these two teams resulted in a shutout for the Penguins, indicating their ability to limit the Capitals’ scoring opportunities. While both teams have high-profile offensive talents in Crosby and Ovechkin, the current form and defensive capabilities of the Penguins, along with the Capitals’ recent offensive woes, point towards a game where goals will be at a premium. Therefore, the ‘Under’ is the prudent choice for bettors looking to capitalize on the patterns established in previous matchups and the current season’s trends.

The Pick: Under 5.5 +110 (PointsBet)

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Washington Capitals

Pittsburgh Penguins