🏒 Penguins vs. Capitals Prediction: Today's NHL Picks & Odds

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals clash again today as they wrap a back-to-back home-and-home set as the season winds down. Pittsburgh's position in the postseason is set, while Washington's victory yesterday kept its very slim postseason dreams alive. Puck drop from Capital One Arena in Washington is set for 3 p.m. ET, airing on TNT/truTV and streaming on HBO Max. Washington is a -162 moneyline favorite.

My Penguins vs. Capitals prediction looks to navigate a tricky game. Yesterday, after backing the Penguins, we were burnt by a slew of "injuries" as Pittsburgh rested many of its stars. Today, many of those same stars are suiting up.

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🏒 Penguins vs. Capitals picks & odds today: April 12

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 3.4 units

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💰 Penguins vs. Capitals prediction & best bet

‼️ Editor's note

Since this piece was published, the Penguins have announced that many of the players who were sidelined yesterday: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, are all expected to suit up today. 

Capitals -1.5 (+155)

Yesterday, the Pens benched numerous stars en route to a 6-3 loss in their final home game. Today has the makings of being even uglier in Washington, as Pittsburgh is again expected to rest Crosby, Malkin, and numerous others.

The Caps have no room for error, and I'm expecting them to come out guns blazing against a team comprised of numerous players from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Wait for the lineups to drop. If the Pens shockingly play their stars, I still like the Caps moneyline in the -130 range. Otherwise, it's go time on the spread.

Score prediction: Capitals 5, Penguins 2

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🔥 Best Penguins vs. Capitals player prop bet

Tom Wilson anytime goal scorer

Wilson had a two-point performance and, as one of the biggest "heart" players on the Capitals, will be full-in again today as Washington tries to keep its slim hopes of the postseason alive. His physical, high-volume style of play somehow gets to even another level against the rival Pens, and that's resulted in five goals in his last 10 against his foes.

Today, presumably against the same AHL-heavy lineup that he saw yesterday, he should be able to utilize his size to dictate position and play. His net-front presence will be impossible to ignore on the power play against a defense without Letang, Karlsson, and Wotherspoon.

I actually think his props "to record 1+ points (-140)" and "to record 2+ points (+350)" could be in play if you're feeling a little timid or eager, respectively. But for now, I think that his anytime goal scorer prop is a play at +200 or better.

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📊 Live Penguins vs. Capitals odds

This line is a big move from yesterday's game in Pittsburgh, a major reflection on Pittsburgh's expected lineup. When the line first dropped yesterday, the price on the Washington side of the spread was nearly +200 at some sportsbooks, but it quickly corrected to the range it's in now. I wouldn't anticipate a whole slew of movement ahead of lineups, but once the Pens lineup is confirmed, I think we could see even more value loss on the Caps side. 

The total has held pretty flat since opening. It's shaded a bit toward the Over 6.5 from yesterday's -110 line, no shock since we saw nine goals. I don't think the Caps will get there on their own today, but I think they'll do enough heavy lifting to cash another Over in an up-tempo affair.

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🚀 Penguins vs. Capitals same-game parlay

These plays work well hand-in-hand together, and we'll make them at bet365, taking advantage of a boost like usual; today, a 50% boost is available to me, but it's important to scan around the best sports betting sites to make sure you're taking advantage of boosts, safety-net bets, and other options.

Washington -1.5 will be pivotal here, and Wilson's finding the back of the net is in play given how many times I anticipate Washington lighting the lamp on the way to the Over 6.5 cashing. 

💵 Penguins vs. Capitals SGP picks

• Washington -1.5 (+155)
• Over 6.5 (-130)
• Tom Wilson anytime goal scorer (+190)

Best odds: +725 via bet365 (0.2u -> 1.45u)

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💵 My betting record for NHL picks

All NHL picks have been tracked since March 3

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💡 How I'm betting Penguins vs. Capitals

Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

After seeing yesterday's outcome, I'm digging in about the same amount today. Once again I'm playing the total a little on the timid side, as seven goals is a sizeable number. I do like the Caps to push big for a sizeable win today, my concern with the total is Pittsburgh's AHL-filled roster carrying it's load. 

Essentially, I'm treating this about the same and dedicating about the same to that of any regular-season NHL game. No need to get carried about, but given we have partial clarity about the Pens roster, no need to be especially timid.

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📈 Penguins vs. Capitals betting trends

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🚑 Penguins vs. Capitals injuries

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📺 How to watch Penguins vs. Capitals

• Date: Sunday, April 12
• Puck drop: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Capital One Arena (Washington)
• TV: TNT/truTV
• Streaming: HBO Max