Free Picks: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals

When one goalie starts 11-striaght games, there is going to be trouble. When the team also allows over 30 shots per game, it certainly isn’t a recipe for success. Tuesday night, Washington will look to battle their demons as they hope to take Pittsburgh the distance. Struggling inside the crease against an above-average offense doesn’t bode well for the Capitals. Can Pittsburgh outperform Washington and cover on the Puck Line?

When two of the greatest players to ever hit the ice collide, you know you’re about to see something magical. Crosby and Ovechkin have battled in remarkable contests over the years.

Tuesday night, the Capitals/Penguins add another chapter into the history books when they square off once again. I think it’s fair to say that both teams are average this season. Neither team dominates NHL Stanley Cup odds, but they have had their share of favoritism for regular season odds.

With that being said, I think for Tuesday’s contest I am going to shy away from the Money Line and focus on the Puck Line. This season, the two teams have met four times already. Three of those games have been decided by one goal. The outlier was on Sunday where the Penguins dropped Washington 6-3.

Washington has no choice, but they are running netminder Vitek Vanecek into the ground. The rookie has played an absurd number of games for Washington this season due to injuries and COVID. Vanecek has played 11-straight games and there are no signs of Washington turning to backup Craig Anderson.

The Penguins aren’t elite on offense or defense. They are above average on offense, which has me thinking that the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel will tear apart Washington on Tuesday. The Capitals also allow over 30 shots per game. For a team that has a tired goalie, this spells trouble.

Washington has played in four straight games decided by more than one goal. Until the Capitals provide relief in the blue paint, I expect this trend to continue.

Pittsburgh has struggled to separate themselves from their opposition when winning, I’ll admit. Every Penguins’ win this season (aside from their last contest against Washington) has been decided by exactly one goal.

Even if Washington provides solid offense, I can’t see them keeping the puck out of their net often. The Capitals’ goaltender needs a break and Pittsburgh won’t provide any remedy for the situation.

I think Pittsburgh easily takes this game and covers on the puck line, which is one of the best NHL bets you can make for Tuesday’s slate of contests.

• The Penguins average 3.31 goals per game.
• Pittsburgh ranks 11^th in average score for.
• Washington are 1-4 SU in last 5 games on the road.
• The Capitals have allowed 3 or more goals in 6 straight games.