The Washington Capitals broke a three-game postseason losing streak against the Pittsburgh Penguins with their win on Monday in Game 3. The Capitals will attempt to even up their second-round series at two games apiece with another road win in Game 4 on Wednesday night.
Capitals vs. Penguins, NHL playoffs odds: Washington set as road favorite for Game 4
The Capitals can avoid a 3-1 series hole with a road win against a Penguins team missing star center Sidney Crosby.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Washington is a -125 betting favorite in Pittsburgh at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The Penguins are going off at +105 to take a 3-1 series lead.
Washington Capitals
Fueled by a brilliant performance in net from Braden Holtby, the Capitals were able to go into Pittsburgh and steal Game 3. Holtby allowed six goals on 35 shots through the first two games of the series, but bounced back with a 28-save effort on Monday night.
Washington appeared to be cruising to a 2-0 win before giving up two goals in 48 seconds in the waning moments of the game. The Capitals bounced back with a quick overtime winner from Kevin Shattenkirk to wrap up the game.
Even after winning Game 3, the Capitals are just 2-11 in their last 13 postseason road games against the Penguins, per the OddsShark NHL Database.
Betting Line / Total: Washington -125 / 5 Goals
Trend: The Penguins are 4-19 in their last 23 games as a home underdog.
Trend: The OVER is 7-4-1 in the last 12 playoff games between the Penguins and Capitals.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Losing Game 3 was bad for the Penguins, but they suffered a much bigger loss with an injury to Sidney Crosby. Crosby received a concussion from a violent hit by Matt Niskanen in the first period, which arguably set the tempo for the rest of the game.
Pittsburgh still has plenty of offensive firepower without its franchise center, but there is no replacement for a player of his caliber. The Penguins are just 4-19 in their last 23 games as a home underdog.
Wednesday night’s total is set at five goals at sports betting sites. The OVER is 7-4-1 in the last 12 playoff games between Washington and Pittsburgh.
The injury to Crosby drastically changes the complexion of this series. The Capitals were on the ropes after losing the first two games at home, and suddenly they are a road favorite over the Penguins with Crosby sidelined. The Penguins will have to make due without him for at least this game, leaning heavily on their offensive depth to try to hold on to their series lead.
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
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