Pittsburgh Penguins (40-31-11 last season) vs. Washington Capitals (35-37-10 last season)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals 10/13/23 – The NHL regular season is heating up as two long-time rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals, face off in an early-season contest. With Pittsburgh wrapping up last season at 40-31-11 and Washington closely following with a 35-37-10 record, both teams are eager to set a positive tone for this year. As we dive deep into the dynamics of this matchup, our NHL season free predictions aim to guide fans and bettors alike.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, based on their commendable performance in the prior season, present a robust offensive team. Jake Guentzel, although he did not find the back of the net in the initial game, managed to contribute with an assist. His aptitude for orchestrating plays and creating scoring chances will play a pivotal role when up against the defense of the Capitals. Additional key figures like defensemen Marcus Pettersson and Kris Letang, both registering an assist, will undeniably test the defensive strategies of the Capitals.
Conversely, the Washington Capitals have a formidable offensive arsenal. Spearheaded by Alex Ovechkin, who last season marked a remarkable tally of 42 goals coupled with 33 assists, his influence during the game is irrefutable. Supplementing this offensive depth are players like Dylan Strome and Evgeny Kuznetsov, both accumulating over 50 points in the previous season. It will be imperative for the Penguins’ defense to remain vigilant to neutralize these offensive powerhouses.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals 10/13/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, October 13, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Capital One Arena |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Tristan Jarry vs. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper
Tristan Jarry, the Penguins’ guardian of the net, had a challenging last outing, letting in 3 goals on 35 shots. With a save percentage of 0.914, Jarry’s abilities will be vital in deterring the offensive force of the Capitals, especially the likes of Ovechkin and Strome.
Contrastingly, Darcy Kuemper, with extensive time on the ice last season, holds a save percentage of 0.909. His vast experience and resilience will be instrumental in thwarting the Penguins’ attacking force. Given the offensive firepower of players like Guentzel, Kuemper’s performance will be crucial.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Penguins -119, Total Odds: 6.5
The current betting odds slightly favor the Penguins, reflecting their previous performance and perhaps some reservations about the Capitals’ recent form. However, with a total of 6.5, the odds suggest a potentially high-scoring affair, a testament to both teams’ strong offensive capabilities. Given the tight nature of matchups between these rivals, bettors will be keen to see if the game lives up to the thrilling expectations the odds have set.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
A dive into the Penguins’ recent betting trends reveals interesting dynamics. The total has consistently gone UNDER in 6 of their last 7 games, suggesting defensive solidity. However, their form appears shaky with a 2-4 SU in their last 6 games. Their road record further amplifies this trend, where totals have gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 away games. Interestingly, they’ve managed to have an upper hand against the Capitals in recent times, with a 4-2 SU record in their last 6 encounters in Washington.
Washington Capitals Betting Trends
The Capitals, in contrast, show a different pattern. The total has surged OVER in 5 of their last 6 games, indicating potential vulnerabilities in defense or high-scoring games. They’ve been struggling recently with a concerning 1-8 SU in their last 9 outings. Historically against the Penguins, their home record stands at a shaky 1-4 SU in their last 5 contests, hinting at Pittsburgh’s dominance.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals 10/13/23 Betting Picks
Given the trends and head-to-head analysis, the Penguins seem to have a slight edge in this matchup. Their recent dominance in Washington and their offensive capabilities might see them through. However, with the Capitals’ high-scoring pattern and the firepower they possess, an over on the total of 6.5 seems enticing.
In conclusion, our pro game day bets would lean towards backing the Penguins on the Moneyline and going over the total of 6.5, anticipating a high-scoring thriller.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins 4, Washington Capitals 3.