The NHL playoff action is back on Tuesday evening as the Washington Capitals will clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena in Pittsburgh, PA in game three of their best-of-seven series. The Capitals were the better team in the last game as they won game two by a score of 4-1 and they even the series at 1-1.
Washington Capitals Form
The Washington Capitals are facing the Pittsburgh Penguins – their Nemesis from the previous two seasons as they were knocked out by the Pens in the last two seasons. They head into this game after a controversial win as it appeared that the Pens scored a goal, which was not allowed. The reply showed that the Pens scored a regular goal, so the Caps were really lucky to get their decision their way. However, the Capitals were playing well and then managed a solid 4-1 win, which made the series even at 1-1. The Capitals away form is 24-20 so far this season as they have averaged 3.02 goals per game and have allowed 3.20 goals per game in those games.
On the offensive end of the ice, the Capitals are the 3rd best team in scoring during the playoffs at 3.75 goals per game, converting on 32.3% of their chances. At the defensive side of the game, during the postseason, their stats are average as they are ranked on the 7th spot in goals allowed, conceding an average of 2.75 goals per game, allowing the opposing teams to convert on 13.8% of their chances.
Pittsburgh Penguins Form
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been enjoying in the games against Capitals in the last couple of years, especially in the playoffs. The Pens were superior against the Caps, as they have eliminated them in the last two postseasons.
However, it is important to emphasize that the Pens were robbed of a goal in game two against the Caps. That decision could have changed the course of the game. The Penguins home form for the year is 31-13 and they have averaged 3.61 goals per game and have conceded an average of 2.70 goals per game in those games.
On the offensive side of the game, the Penguins have been very good as they are the 2nd best team in scoring at 4.00 goals per game, converting on 16.7% of their chances. Their defensive form during the playoffs has been above average, as are placed on the 5th spot in goals allowed, conceding an average of 2.63 goals per game, allowing teams to convert on 12.0% of their chances.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be looking to bounce back after the unfortunate defeat in game two of the series. On the other side, The Caps have won all three road games in the postseason so far which will give them more confidence that they can get something out of this game. However, I expect that the Penguins to win this game. They have been in good form at their home ground this season. I can’t see the Champs losing three home games in a row, so I expect a good performance from the Penguins and a win in this game three of the series.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins today on 5/1/2018 is: Take the Pittsburgh Penguins -145 (money line bet)
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