Penguins Host Caps in NBC Sunday Rivalry Action

Pittsburgh general manager Jim Rutherford’s abrupt resignation was a stunning shocker.  Rutherford did not explain his decision other than “it was time.”  However, many NHL betting experts believe Rutherford’s departure is a revelation.  Pittsburgh has the look of a team that has a closing Stanley Cup window.  Still, Sidney Crosby is productive, and there are good top-end players.  Depth and defense remain a concern.  Of course, the defense is always a concern with the Capitals.  Since coach Barry Trotz departed after the 2018 Stanley Cup, Washington lost its structure.  Superstar left wing Alex Ovechkin significantly regressed without Trotz.

Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins CashBet Wagering Analysis

Pittsburgh and Washington are two of the biggest name brand NHL teams with the sportsbook odds.  Cause by the fact that both are recent Stanley Cup champions.  Pittsburgh won the Cup in 2016 and 2017, with Washington winning in 2018.  Namely, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin ignite massive wagering handle when they play.  Pittsburgh’s sluggish start hasn’t settled in the minds of the masses.  As long as Crosby mans the marquee, the Pens will attract betting activity.  So too,  Ovechkin ensures oddsmakers that handicappers will maintain interest in the Capitals.  All of this makes for a high profile rivalry.

Caps Lack of Defense Brings Slump

Late on, the Capitals have lost three of their last four games. Four of their last five have cleared the Betting on NHL total. Washington’s record is 6-3-3 with 9-3 over the total.  As a result, the Capitals are third in the East Division.  NHL metrics have the Capitals ranked 4^th for goal scoring and 2^nd for the power play.  Defensively Washington is 27^th for goals against and 14^th for penalty killing.

First-year coach Peter Laviolette was hired for one last Stanley Cup run.  Laviolette has a Stanley Cup and three Conference championships in his career.  But the lackluster stats on the back end are not the stuff of Cup titles.

So far, new number one goaltender Vitek Vanecek has been effective with a .902 save percentage and 3.18 goals-against average.  Center Nicklas Backstrom leads Washington with six goals and 11 assists.  Additionally, Left-wing Alex Ovechkin has five goals and seven assists.

Penguins Stanley Cup Window Closing?

Pittsburgh has lost three of their last four games.  And then three of their last five tilts went under the total.  Pittsburgh stands at 5-5-1 and 7-3 over the total.  5^th place in the East Division is where the Penguins reside.  In sum, Pittsburgh ranks 20^th for goal scoring and 24^th for the power play.  Defensively the Penguins rank 29^th for goals against and 25^th for the penalty kill.  Of great concern is the pro hockey betting marks on the offensive end of the ice.  It is indicative of the Penguins’ lack of secondary scoring depth.

Naturally, the Penguins open general manager position generated considerable interest.  Pittsburgh is still seen as a team with enough pieces to build around.  Counter to that is hockey people that have written them off as too old where it matters most.

Center Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh with four goals and five assists.  But Crosby has a minus-four.  Especially concerning is a combined save percentage of .867 for goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith.

Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins Against the Spread

Pittsburgh has five hockey betting payouts in their last six against the Capitals.  Correlate all six of those games went over the total.  Pittsburgh has won five of their last seven home games with the Caps. At the same time, all five of those games cleared the total.

Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins CashBet Free Pick  

In this situation, the Penguins know how vital an NHL gambling win is.  As mentioned earlier, the Pens have the best of this series.

Capitals at Penguins CashBet Best Bet: 

Pittsburgh Penguins