Capitals vs. Penguins Picks and Prediction – 4/17/2025

Washington Capitals (50-21-9) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (33-36-12)
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
TV: ESPN

Previous Games:

  • Capitals: 2-game losing streak

  • Penguins: Lost 4-1 vs. Boston in last game

Head-to-Head:

Washington has dominated this season series, leading 2-1, and winning 6-3 in their most recent matchup. The Capitals have shown they are the better team, particularly with their offensive depth and solid defense.

Washington Capitals Breakdown:

The Capitals are a strong team both offensively and defensively, ranking in the top 10 for goals per game and having a solid power play. They’re coming off two tough losses but have been generally consistent throughout the season. With players like Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome, Washington has the firepower to break down Pittsburgh’s defense. The Capitals’ need for playoff positioning should ensure they’re focused and motivated in this game.

Key Players:

  • Alex Ovechkin: 43 goals

  • Tom Wilson: 33 goals

  • Dylan Strome: 52 assists

Pittsburgh Penguins Breakdown:

The Penguins have already been eliminated from playoff contention and have been struggling lately. They’ve lost 4 of their last 6 games, and their defense has been leaky, allowing 3.2 goals per game. Despite Sidney Crosby’s strong play, Pittsburgh has not been able to produce consistently as a team, and they come into this game with little motivation beyond playing out the season.

Key Players:

  • Sidney Crosby: 32 goals, 57 assists

  • Rickard Rakell: 35 goals

  • Evgeni Malkin: 44 assists

Betting Trends:

Washington Capitals:

  • 7-3 in their last 10 road games

  • 2-1 vs. Pittsburgh this season

  • Averaging 3.5 goals per game

Pittsburgh Penguins:

  • 3-7 in their last 10 overall

  • 4 straight games with 3+ goals allowed

  • 1-4 in last 5 home games vs. Washington

Exact Score Prediction:

Washington Capitals 4 – Pittsburgh Penguins 2

Our Best Bet:

Washington Capitals ML (-115)

Washington has been strong all season and is playing for playoff positioning, which should give them extra motivation. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, has been struggling with nothing left to play for. The Capitals’ offense, led by Ovechkin, should be able to overpower a Penguins team that has struggled to defend recently.

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