Washington annually lets down fans with the Stanley Cup Playoff odds. And against Pittsburgh that is only magnified. Eight straight times the Pens have eliminated the Caps. But now the worm could be turning. Washington can eliminate Pittsburgh with one more win. Yet worries persist about the Capitals ability to close. Such concerns are fully justified. There is nothing in their history to cling to for assurances. Plus, the Penguins have won the last two Stanley Cup championships. Game Six is at Pittsburgh. It would be poetic justice for the Caps to kill off their nemesis there.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 6
Date and Time: Monday, May 7, 2018, 7 p.m. ET
Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG: Penguins -1 ½ (+160), Capitals +1 ½ (-185), Over/Under 6, Penguins -190, Capitals +165
Capitals vs. Penguins TV Coverage: NBCSN
Washington got the money Saturday night in a 6-3 home win over the Penguins. The Capitals lead the best of seven playoff series 3-2. If Pittsburgh wins game six the deciding game will be at Washington. Game seven would be Wednesday at Capital One Arena. Pittsburgh remains a Stanley Cup Playoff betting favorite. Until they are pronounced dead they should be considered lethally dangerous. Adding to that is the Capitals reputation for choking. Pressure for this game will be full blast on both teams. The Penguins have no margin for error. But the Caps have no record of closing.
Game five saw the Capitals show rare character and courage. They blew a 2-1 second period. Entering the third period they trailed 3-2. Yet Evgeny Kuznetsov tied the game 52 seconds into the final frame. Caps goalie Braden Holtby proved clutch. Holtby finished with 36 saves. Kuznetsov had two assists to go with his clutch goal. He was a plus two on the night. Jakub Vrana added one goal and two assists with a plus three.
Washington captain and star Alex Ovechkin has never made the Eastern Conference Final. He has been strong in post season with eight goals and six assists. Center Niklas Backstrom has three goals and 10 assists. Kuznetsov has added six goals and seven assists. Defenseman John Carlson has pitched in with three goals and eight helpers. And TJ Oshie has five goals. It all adds up to a strong team effort for the Caps. Holtby has backstopped it all with a .924 save percentage. Not to mention a clutch demeanor.
Of course, Pittsburgh has been led by Sidney Crosby. The captain center has nine goals and 11 assists. But goaltender Matt Murray has slipped badly with a .905 post season save percentage.
Washington has had the recent sportsbook edge against Pittsburgh. In the last 13 meetings the Caps have won eight times. Seven of the last 10 between these teams went under the total. PPG Paints Arena has seen the Caps win four of their last seven visits. Three of the last five between these teams at Pittsburgh went over the total.
Matchup to Watch
This looks like Washington’s time with the Stanley Cup Playoff odds. Holtby and scoring depth are their matchup edge.
Capitals vs. Penguins NHL Playoff Lines Picks
Washington is the pick to finally exercise the demon of Pittsburgh!
NHL Betting Online Pick: Washington Capitals
NHL Betting Online Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Penguins 2
Check out highlights of the Caps impressive game five win!