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Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Preview, Predictions and Picks for April 17, 2025

Updated on:
Apr 17, 2025 8:29 PM
The Washington Capitals, currently leading the Metropolitan Division with a 51-21-9 record, will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 PM. The Capitals will look to extend their lead as they visit the Penguins, who are currently struggling with a 33-36-12 record. This matchup marks the third game in the season series, with Washington holding a slight advantage with a 2-1 record.
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Current Odds

WSH
PIT
Over
7.5
-154
Under
7.5
+138
WSH
-
-
PIT
-
-
WSH
ML
+7000
PIT
ML
-10000

Capitals vs Penguins statistics

Stat Capitals Penguins
Goals For per Game 3.51 2.93
Goals Against Average 2.77 3.52
Shots per Game 27.7 28.2
Shots Against per Game 27.0 30.3
Power Play Goals 51 56
Power Play Goals Against 42 47
Short Handed Goals 8 4
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 775 557
Power Play Percentage 23.3 25.6
Penalty Kill Percentage 82.3 78.0

Pittsburgh Penguins recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/13/25 vs Boston Bruins L 4-1
4/11/25 @ New Jersey Devils W 4-2
4/8/25 vs Chicago Blackhawks W 5-0
4/6/25 @ Chicago Blackhawks L 3-1
4/5/25 @ Dallas Stars W 5-3

Washington Capitals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/15/25 @ New York Islanders W 3-1
4/13/25 vs Columbus Blue Jackets L 4-1
4/12/25 @ Columbus Blue Jackets L 7-0
4/10/25 vs Carolina Hurricanes W 5-4 SO
4/6/25 @ New York Islanders L 4-1

Pittsburgh Penguins injuries

  • Kevin Hayes (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Kris Letang (D): Out
  • Blake Lizotte (C): Out
  • Rutger McGroarty (RW): Out
  • Matt Nieto (LW): Out

Washington Capitals injuries

  • Aliaksei Protas (C): Day-To-Day
  • Logan Thompson (G): Day-To-Day
  • John Carlson (D): Day-To-Day
  • Jakob Chychrun (D): Day-To-Day

Capitals vs Penguins game info

Type Info
Venue PPG Paints Arena
Location Pittsburgh, PA
Puck drop Thu 7:00 PM
TV ESPN

Capitals vs Penguins predictions

If you’re following the Washington Capitals, you know the red-hot Dylan Strome has been a force on the ice, and after scoring a hat trick, can you really bet against him continuing his scoring spree? With 52 assists and 81 points to his name, Strome is a pivotal player to watch in the upcoming clash against the Penguins. Then there’s the ageless Alex Ovechkin. I mean, with 43 goals this season, isn't it amazing how he consistently finds the net? Combine the power of these two forwards and the solid road record of 25-12-3 for the Capitals, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the scoreboard lighting up in the Capitals' favor at the PPG Paints Arena.

Meanwhile, over in the Penguins’ locker room, Sidney Crosby is definitely someone to keep your eyes on. As the backbone of the Penguins, he’s been a key playmaker with 57 assists, making him an indispensable asset. His 89 points showcase not just his ability to make plays but also to finish them. Then there’s Rickard Rakell—could his 35 goals be just the starting point for an explosive performance against Washington? Pittsburgh’s home record suggests they’re no strangers to making it tough for visiting teams, and with a 20-15-5 home record, the Penguins certainly have a chance to turn the tables against longstanding rivals.

Who’s going to come out on top in this NHL face-off? While the Penguins have a fighting chance with Crosby and Rakell leading the charge, let’s face it—Washington’s been on a roll, leading the regular season series 2-1. The Capitals’ impressive season record of 51-21-9 speaks for itself. Even though Pittsburgh has the home advantage, the Capitals’ scoring prowess, highlighted by Strome’s recent performance, makes them look like the favorites heading into this matchup. Based on the current form and the data at hand, my pick would lean toward a Washington Capitals win, but hey, in the game of hockey, you never really know until the final buzzer. What do you think—ready to see who will steal the show?

Pittsburgh Penguins

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