The Pittsburgh Penguins (5-4-4) travel to meet the Washington Capitals (8-2-4) Sunday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Capitals odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Penguins were doubled up 6-3 by the Senators in Ottawa Saturday, now they turn around and play the second end of the rare national capital back-to-back. Pittsburgh is 1-1-2 across its last four, and 2-4-2 over its last eight.
The Capitals enter on a three-game win streak, including 4-3 at Columbus Friday behind G Ilya Samsonov. Seven of Washington’s eight victories have been by more than one goal, so the one-goal win was certainly a rarity.
Penguins at Capitals odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Penguins +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Capitals -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-210) | Capitals -1.5 (+160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +115 | U: -145)
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Penguins at Capitals projected goalies
Tristan Jarry (5-2-3, 2.23 GAA, .929 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (4-0-1, 2.93 GAA, .894 SV%, 1 SO)
Jarry did not travel to Ottawa with the team, but he is projected to start in D.C. Each of his last four starts has needed overtime or a shootout, and he is 2-0-2 with a 2.34 GAA and .932 SV% in those four November outings.
Samsonov turned aside 26 of his 29 shots in a 4-3 win at Columbus Friday, making up for an absolute egg-laying in his previous outing Nov. 4 in Florida when he let in three goals on just 18 shots.
Penguins at Capitals odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Penguins 4, Capitals 3
Money line
The PENGUINS (+135) play the second end of a back-to-back situation, but the good news is they welcome back head coach Mike Sullivan after a bout with COVID-19.
While Pittsburgh is 1-5 in its last six games on the road, it has won four of the past five when playing on no rest. Pittsburgh is also 6-2 in the past eight meetings with Washington, and 5-2 in its last seven trips to D.C.
Against the spread
The PENGUINS +1.5 (-210) are worth playing if you aren’t trusting them straight up. This price isn’t totally out of line for a little bit of insurance, but at more than -200 this is beginning to lose its value a little bit.
Over/Under
The OVER 6.5 (+115) is worth a small-unit play at plus money. The Over has cashed in nine of the last 12 meetings in this series, while the Over is 4-1 in Pittsburgh’s past five on the road, and the Over is 4-1-1 in its last six against winning teams.
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