Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction, 3/7/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024

Location: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA

TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Odds/Point Spread: Capitals (+120) Penguins (-148)

The Pittsburgh Penguins (28-24-8) are hosting the Washington Capitals (28-23-9) at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday. The odds on this game have Washington at +120 and Pittsburgh is opening at -148. The betting total is set at 7.

The Washington Capitals had a rough game after their 5-2 loss to the Coyotes in their previous game. Washington amassed 22 mins in the box in this matchup. Furthermore, they had 7 power play attempts and netted 2 goals. The Capitals could have played much better offensively in this defeat. For the outing, they were able to notch a goal on 2 out of the 26 shots they put on net.

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Regarding their goal scoring prowess, the Washington Capitals have notched 157 goals (30th in hockey) on the season and have given up 189. For the season, they have tallied 65 points and their points percentage is .542. Washington has 170 power play opportunities and they have notched 32 goals during those advantages, giving them a rate of 18.82%. At even strength, the Capitals have allowed the opponent to score 151 goals while notching 125 as an offensive unit. Washington has attempted 1,631 shots and holds a shot percentage of 9.6%. The Capitals have had 1,824 shots taken against them and hold a save percentage of .896. Washington Capitals opponents have totaled 184 power play opportunities (20th in hockey) and have a total of 38 goals in those chances.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Charlie Lindgren. Opponents have notched 244 goals versus Lindgren in his NHL career and his goals against average per game is 2.88. Lindgren has taken the ice for 90 games during his professional hockey career. His save percentage sits at .906 during his 5,078 mins in the crease. He has compiled an overall record of 41-33-10 and he was named the starter in 83 games. In his professional hockey career, Lindgren is sitting with 48 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .578. Lindgren has had 2,604 shot attempts against him and he has 2,360 saves.

In their last game, Pittsburgh faced off against the Blue Jackets in a matchup where the Penguins earned a victory by a tally of 5-3. They had 3 power play opportunities in this game and scored 2 out of those chances. The Penguins notched 5 goals of the 31 shots on goal they took.

Pittsburgh has taken 1,973 shots (10th in the NHL) and has accumulated a shooting percentage of 8.97%, while allowing the opposition 1,806 shots. They have earned a penalty kill rate of 82.32% on the other teams 181 power play tries, and their save percentage currently comes in at 90.8%. They have a total of 202 power play opportunities and they have accumulated a power play rate of 15.35%. The Penguins have racked up 146 goals at even strength and 31 goals (26th in the league) while on the power play. They have granted a total of 167 goals to be scored by of a combination of 135 goals at even strength and 32 goals while they had less men on the ice. For the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have notched a total of 177 goals, 64 points, in addition to a points percentage of .533.

Across the ice you will find Tristan Jarry protecting the goal. Jarry is the owner of a career record of 135-79-24 and has participated in 248 contests. Jarry's quality start percentage sits at 61.1% and he has qualified for 146 quality starting assignments in his career. He has compiled 6,500 stops out of the 7,119 shots tried, which gives him a save % of .913. His opposition is averaging 2.64 goals/game and he has surrendered 619 goals altogether. He got the starting nod in 239 games and has accumulated 14,066 mins.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Pittsburgh (-148)

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