Tue 10/05/2016 - 10:42 EDT

NHL Playoff Game Prediction & Betting Lines

NHL Playoff Game Prediction & Betting Lines

If you are the Pittsburgh Penguins, this is your Game 7. Leading 3-2 in this second round Stanley Cup series against the Washington Capitals, the Penguins do not want to go back to Washington for Game 7.

Will The Caps Live To Fight Another Day?

By Bob Duff

Washington Capitals (+250) at Pittsburgh Penguins (-133)

malkin 

Winning Game 5 on home ice, the Capitals forced a Game 6 for the fifth time in team history when trailing 3-1 in a series. They've gone on to win two of those previous five series. The Penguins have twice lost series that they led 3-1. On paper and in analytical assessment, the Capitals have been the better team for much of this series. Washington captain Alex Ovechkin, who garnered a goal and an assist in Game 5, has five points, more than Pittsburgh's 1-2 punch of Sidney Crosby (two) and Evgeni Malkin (two) have combined. 

Capitals forward T.J. Oshie also had 1-1-2 numbers in Game 5. Oshie's goal was his fifth in 11 games of this postseason, matching his totals from his first 30 career Stanley Cup games. He has four goals in this set and both game winners for Washington. Ovechkin netted his 13th career Stanley Cup power play goal in Game 5, tying Peter Bondra for the all-time franchise lead. Capitals defenceman John Carlson is riding a five-game points streak. Washington goalie Braden Holtby has allowed one goal or fewer in 18 of his 22 career playoff wins.

Crosby collected his 82nd career postseason assist in Game 5 to tie Jaromir Jagr for second on the Penguins all-time list. Although he endured his first sub-par game of the playoffs, allowing three goals on 19 shots, the Penguins will stick with rookie Matt Murray in goal even though veteran and past Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury is available. 

Washington opted to split up Ovechkin and centre Nicklas Backstrom in Game 5, putting struggling Evegeny Kuznetsov with Ovechkin, and the shuffle seemed to ignite them. By contrast, Pittsburgh tried splitting up Crosby and Patric Hornqvist to get them going and it had no effect. Crosby and Hornqvist were reunited in practice Monday. Tom Kuhnhackl, who played on Crosby's line in Game 5, returned to the fourth line with Bryan Rust and Matt Cullen.

The Capitals will welcome back defenceman Brooks Orpik, who has served his three-game NHL suspension for his Game 2 hit on Pittsburgh defenceman Olli Maatta. Maatta, who hasn't played since suffering an upper body injury from the hit, is a game time decision.

Pick: The Capitals (+250)

Category : News

More articles...
News - 12/06/25
Florida is Now the Overwhelming Favorite to Win the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals 

What: 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Who: Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers When: Game 4 is Thursday, June 12 at 8 p.m. ET Where: Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida How to watch: TNT and Max It's funny how things can change in the span of a week or so. Before the final series of […]

News - 04/06/25
Belmont Stakes 2025: Baeza is in line for classic glory 

The third and final leg of the Triple Crown happens Saturday, June 7: the Belmont Stakes. Like last year, it will be a little different than the traditional Belmont: it will be run at 1 ΒΌ miles at Saratoga Race Course, since Belmont Park is still under construction. The race offers a $2 million purse, […]

News - 02/06/25
Oklahoma City is a Big Favorite to Win the 2025 NBA Finals Over Indiana 

What: 2025 NBA Finals Who: Oklahoma City vs. Indiana Pacers When: Game 1 is set for June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma How to watch: ABC After a thrilling postseason leading up to this stage, only two teams are left in the hunt to take home the Larry […]

News - 02/06/25
Best UFC 316 Bets: Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O'Malley Picks 

What: UFC 316 Who: Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O'Malley in the main event When: Saturday, June 7 at 9 p.m. ET Where: Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey How to watch: ESPN+ There's a title on the line at UFC 316 and there's a main event that people can't wait for. That's right, it's that […]