Capitals vs. Penguins Prediction: Our Best Picks & Player Props for Today's NHL Game

Mike Sullivan and Sidney Crosby reunite for the Pittsburgh Penguins today after the latter got the better of his long-time coach in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. 

The Penguins face a stiff test in the first game back, welcoming the Washington Capitals to PPG Paints Arena for this afternoon affair (3 p.m. ET, ABC). Our Capitals vs. Penguins prediction expects the well-rested Alexander Ovechkin and Co. to show why they're the NHL's second-best team in enemy barns.

Capitals vs. Penguins predictions, expert picks & best bets today

Here are my best Capitals vs. Penguins predictions, expert picks, and best bets tonight with my pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale. Be sure to check out the rest of our NHL picks along with our guide on how to bet on the NHL.

🚨 Game pick: Capitals 3-way ML (+100 via Betway) vs. Penguins ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚨 My best player prop pick: Dylan Strome Over 1.5 shots (-138 via Betway) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My best Capitals vs. Penguins pick & score prediction

I'm backing the Capitals on the 3-way moneyline (+100). If you feel braver, go with the Caps to win by at least two (+145). I expect the Pens to struggle offensively in their first game back, which should lead to Under 5.5 goals (+105).

🏒 Capitals 3-way ML ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Continually climbing the Stanley Cup odds leaderboard, the Capitals can no longer be considered an overachieving flash in the pan. Thanks to a sound, responsible defensive structure, a well-rounded attack, and Vezina Trophy odds contender Logan Thompson, this team is for real. 

While the two-week break provides every team with a fresh start, wiping from the ledger any pre-4 Nations Face-Off streaks or trends, the Caps have been successful on the road all season. They have the second-best points percentage on their travels (.714), winning 19 of 28 games. 

Caps' 4 Nations Face-Off snub turns into advantage against Pens

While the Caps don't require any pre-game advantages, they have a notable one. Washington was one of two teams with no players who participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off. What would have felt like a snub at the time should work in their favor today in Pittsburgh.

Sidney Crosby wasn't 100% for Canada, and he will be a game-time decision for this one. I expect him to get the day off with the stretch run in mind. Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell played for Sweden, the latter of whom fell ill during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He's good to go, but I expect residual fatigue, weariness, and an emotional drop-off.

Best odds: +100 via Betway (bet $10 to win $10)

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🎯 Final score prediction: Capitals 4, Penguins 1

The Capitals scored at least three goals in eight of the last 10 games on the road, while the Pens lost four of the last five at PPG Paints Arena. I'm predicting the Capitals will beat the Pens 4-1, making it eight straight games for Mike Sullivan's team with six or fewer combined goals. 

Correct score odds: +900 via Betway (bet $10 to win $90)

Best Capitals vs. Penguins player prop bet

Here is my best Caps vs. Pens player prop bet today. You can also check out our NEW NHL player prop odds tool for the latest NHL odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your region.  

💰 Dylan Strome Over 1.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Caps aren't a prolific shooting team on the road, averaging the 10th-fewest attempts (26.8). I'm more drawn to lower totals like Strome's Over 1.5 for this reason.

Strome gets plenty of ice time playing on the first line alongside Ovechkin and Tom Wilson. He's making the most of it, firing at least two shots on goal in nine of the last 12 games, including six of the previous seven. The Pens are tied with the San Jose Sharks for allowing the fourth-most shots per game at home (30.3).

That feels to me like a winning recipe.  

Best odds: -138 via Betway (bet $10 to win $7.25)

📊 Capitals vs. Penguins live odds

Here are the latest odds for Capitals vs. Penguins via Betway.

🚑 Capitals vs. Penguins injuries

Here is the latest injury report for Capitals vs. Penguins, which updates in real time.

📺 How to watch Capitals vs. Penguins today

📅 Date: Saturday, Feb. 22
🕗 Time: 3 p.m. ET
📍 Location: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)
📺 TV: ABC 
💻 Streaming: Fubo TV, Sportsnet+

❓ Capitals vs. Penguins FAQs

Who is favored to win Capitals vs. Penguins?

The Washington Capitals are the -160 favorites at Betway, implying a 61.54% win probability

What time is Capitals vs. Penguins today?

Today's game starts at 3 p.m. ET from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

🥅 Best NHL betting sites

Looking to bet on the NHL tonight? Here are our best NHL betting sites as determined by our expert team at Sportsbook Review, along with our best sportsbook promos ahead of tonight's game.

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