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Penguins vs Capitals Odds, Starting Goalie Predictions and Pick – How to Bet Division Foes in Sunday NHL Odds

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in NHL Hockey

Updated Nov 14, 2021 · 10:13 AM PST

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals; Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), of Russia, skates in front of Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, in Washington. The Capitals won 5-2. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
  • The Washington Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, November 14th
  • Pittsburgh won four of six meetings with Washington in 2020-21
  • Read below for the odds, game preview and NHL betting pick

One of the NHL’s best rivalries will be renewed when the Washington Capitals (8-2-4) and Pittsburgh Penguins (5-4-4) faceoff on Sunday, November 14th. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM EST at Capital One Arena.

Washington is listed as heavy home favorites over Pittsburgh on the NHL betting line. The Capitals are on a three-game winning streak, but have struggled with the Penguins in recent meetings.

Let’s take a look at the Penguins vs Capitals odds and offer you our best bet for the game.

Penguins vs Capitals Odds

Game Time Team Puck Line Total Moneyline
7:00pm ET Pittsburgh Penguins +1.5 (-190) O 6 (-110) +145
November 14th, 2021 Washington Capitals -1.5 (+160) U 6 (-110) -165

Odds as of November 13th at DraftKings

Caps Are Heating Up

Washington is riding a three-game winning streak entering Sunday’s matchup with the Penguins. The Capitals have taken down Buffalo, Detroit and Columbus this week, outscoring them 11-6. Alex Ovechkin scored his 742nd career goal Friday to pass Brett Hull on the NHL all-time goal-scoring list.

Washington is returning home after a two-game road swing. The Capitals have only lost once in regulation at Capital One Arena this season, sporting a 4-1-3 home record. This will be Washington’s first time this season facing Pittsburgh — a team they’ve struggled with recently.

Penguins vs Capitals Recent Results

Date Home-Away Moneyline Puck Line Over/Under
05/01/2021 WAS 0 – PIT 3 PIT PIT Under
04/29/2021 WAS 4 – PIT 5 OT PIT WAS Over
02/25/2021 WAS 5 – PIT 2 WAS WAS Over
02/23/2021 WAS 2 – PIT 3 OT PIT PIT Under
02/16/2021 Pit 1 – WAS 3 WAS WAS Under

Although the Penguins have taken six of the last eight meetings in the series, the Capitals have been the better team so far this season. Washington ranks top-10 in both goals scored and goals allowed and are tied with Carolina for first-place in the Metropolitan Division.

Penguins Battling Through COVID

Pittsburgh has managed just three wins in their past nine games and they continue to deal with COVID-19 concerns. The Penguins sent eight players and coach Mike Sullivan into the NHL’s protocol in recent weeks. The good news is Sidney Crosby and Brian Dumoulin have exited protocol and will join the team in Washington.

While it’s unclear if Crosby will actually play against the Capitals, it’s confirmed coach Sullivan will be back behind the bench in DC. Crosby’s status will certainly impact the NHL odds, as the Canadian superstar has racked up a whopping 80 points in 60 career games against the Capitals.

Pittsburgh is 2-4-2 in their past eight games primarily due to a lack of goal-scoring. Danton Heinen has been a standout with four goals, but no player on the team has recorded more than eight points through the first 12 games. The Penguins are already without Evgeni Malkin due to a knee injury.

Penguins vs Capitals Betting Pick & Prediction

The Penguins vs Capitals odds unsurprisingly favor the hotter team, but reinforcements are coming for Pittsburgh. If Crosby is confirmed in vs Washington, this NHL betting line could shift. Given the potential offensive firepower in this game, the goalie matchup could play a key role in determining the outcome.

Penguins vs Capitals Projected Starting Goalies

Team Goalie Record SV% GAA
Pittsburgh Penguins Tristan Jarry 5-2-3 .929 2.23
Washington Capitals Ilya Samsonov 4-0-1 .894 2.93

What’s important to note is Jarry did not travel to Ottawa on Saturday, so he’ll be well-rested to play the second half of the back-to-back Sunday. In his career against the Capitals, Jarry owns a 4-2-0 record with a .921 save percentage.

Here are some betting trends to keep in mind for Pittsburgh vs Washington:

  • Penguins are 6-2 in the last eight meetings
  • Road team is 4-1 in the last five meetings
  •  Penguins are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on zero days rest

There’s some value with Pittsburgh in this matchup due to a goaltending edge and Crosby’s likely return. Samsonov is struggling and winless in his career vs Pittsburgh (0-2-1). The teams Washington have beat on their winning streak aren’t exactly juggernauts, and the Penguins own the recipe for beating this Capitals’ powerhouse.

Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (+145)

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