At the onset of the season are questions about the Stanley Cup windows of the Penguins and Capitals. Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017. Washington won it in 2018. However lackluster performances in the 2020 playoffs have gamblers concerned. Washington did hire a new coach to jumpstart their appeal with the NHL betting odds. Pittsburgh stayed the course. Pittsburgh superstar Sidney Crosby is still very good. But he’s no longer dominant. While Washington’s Alex Ovechkin remains elite offensively. Defensively he’s reverted to bad habits that former Washington Coach Barry Trotz cured him of.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Sunday, January 17, 2021, 12 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Capitals at Penguins TV Coverage: | NBC |
| Capitals at Penguins Odds: | Click Here |
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins SBG Odds Overview
On this occasion, we have two of the most public and popular teams on the board. Thus, online betting stands to be even between these teams. Even hockey sharps are split on the merits of these two teams. Live betting will see plenty of handles. Specifically, offense is associated with both teams. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin make that understandable. Contrarian gamblers will be in full undertaker mode.
Washington Capitals Overview
Washington fired coach Todd Reirden after last year’s poor playoff showing. Reirden proved inadequate in replacing Barry Trotz. Of course, it was Trotz that led the Capitals to the 2018 Stanley Cup. Taking over behind the Washington bench is Peter Laviolette. Laviolette led the Carolina Hurricanes to the 2006 Stanley Cup. Additionally, he led the Flyers and Predators to the Stanley Cup Final Laviolette is well regarded for his offensive prowess. That is what got Nashville to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.
Long time goaltender Braden Holtby has departed. As a result, Ilya Samsonov is the number one netminder. The offensive core remains strong. Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, and Alex Ovechkin are a dangerous top line. First defenseman John Carlson can be dominant.
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
Also coming off playoff disappointment are the Penguins. Coach Mike Sullivan won two Stanley Cups in his first two seasons of 2016 and 2017. Since then, the going has been tougher. Pittsburgh lost in the qualifying round to 12-seed Montreal last summer. To some, it seemed to be a warning of bad times ahead. To others, it was a fireable offense, to all it was inexcusable.
Now Tristian Jarry is firmly ensconced as the Penguins goaltender. Matt Murray has departed after sharing the net for several seasons. Jarry was the better goaltender between the two. But Murray’s Stanley Cups made Pittsburgh loyal to him. Centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin lead the attack. Kris Letang is the top defenseman.
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins Against the Spread
Overall, the Capitals have won four of their last seven against the Penguins. Five of those seven games have gone over the total. And then Washington has won three of their last five games at Pittsburgh. Three of the last four in this series at Pittsburgh have gone over the total.
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Washington will get the superior price with the NHL betting odds. Cause by being the road team.
Capitals at Penguins SBG Best Bet: Washington Capitals.