Penguins vs Capitals Odds, Predictions and Best NHL Pick for Friday, December 10th

• The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Washington Capitals on Friday, December 10th, 2021
• The Capitals destroyed the Penguins 6-1 in their first meeting this year on November 14th
• Read below for Penguins vs Capitals odds, predictions, and best NHL pick for Friday

Sidney Crosby looks to get revenge on his forever rival Alexander Ovechkin when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Washington Capitals in Friday night NHL action on December 10th. Puck drop is slated for 7 PM EST at Capital One Arena. Washington is listed as -139 home favorites in the Penguins vs Capitals odds. Pittsburgh is coming off a 6-1 spanking of the expansion Seattle Kraken, while Washington has won five of their last seven and sit atop the Metropolitan Division.

Let’s take a look at the Penguins vs Capitals Friday NHL odds and offer you our prediction and pick.

Penguins vs Capitals Odds

Odds as of December 9th at Barstool Sportsbook

After starting the season as the 3rd betting favorite to win the Metropolitan Division, Ovechkin’s Capitals are now neck and neck with the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL Divisional odds. The Caps’ odds have improved from +488 to +180.

Penguins Injuries Hurt Value in Friday NHL Odds

There aren’t many teams that have been harder hit than the Penguins when it comes to injuries this season, and it seems like all their top players have spent some time on the shelf. Jake Guentzel, who leads the team in points and goals, has been added to that list.

Coach Sullivan on Guentzel's absence from practice: "Jake is going to be week-to-week with an upper-body injury." 😔

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 8, 2021

He joins Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin, who hasn’t played a game yet this season, among the forwards who are out of action. Guentzel was on fire with seven goals in his last four games, so this one will definitely hurt the Pens offense on Friday.

Ovechkin Climbs in Rocket Richard Odds

Just when some people thought Ovechkin might be slowing down last year, he comes out scorching with one of the best starts to his career at the ripe age of 36! It seems like we’ve had a new favorite in the Rocket Richard Trophy odds every month this season, but Ovechkin’s odds have shortened tremendously to +425 from +1000 to win the Rocket before the regular season began.

Every week he is joining some sort of elite group or breaking some goal-scoring record, and you can bet he’s got Wayne Gretzky and that magic 894 number in his line of fire.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 750th goal and became the second-fastest player in NHL history to reach the mark (1,222 GP), behind only Wayne Gretzky (1,001 GP).#NHLStats: https://t.co/OauF28PJHy pic.twitter.com/pbG0fZJujj

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 5, 2021

Crosby vs Ovechkin Rivalry Continues

While Ovechkin has enjoyed a banner start to the season, Crosby has missed 12 games after recovering from wrist surgery and being knocked out of the lineup because of COVID-19. You know he’ll want to get the better of his forever rival in this one and he’s heating up at the right time with points in six straight games.

Although the Caps stomped the Pens 6-1 in their only previous meeting this year, The Great 8 didn’t score in that one, and actually hasn’t tallied in his last five games against Pittsburgh.

Penguins vs Capitals Recent Results

Capitals Defensive Play Adds Betting Value

Yes, you read that heading above right. The Capitals have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this season. Entering Thursday’s action they were giving up just 28.12 shots per game, which is 3rd best in the NHL. They also have the 7th best goals against in the league, but Pittsburgh is even better ranking 4th.

For two teams who are always associated with explosive offense because of the superstars on each side, these teams have been getting it done with defense this season.

Penguins vs Capitals Pick & Prediction

This is a tough one to handicap. Sure, the Penguins have major injuries, but that’s something they’ve been dealing with all year and they continue to win games, and stay within striking distance of the best in the division.

I know we always want to see goals in big games like this, but when I look at the Friday NHL odds I like the under as the best bet as the defensive stats for both teams have swayed me in that direction.

Bet under 6 goals in the Penguins vs Capitals odds at Barstool Sportsbook.

Pick: Under 6 (-120) at Barstool Sportsbook