The Washington Capitals have stumbled to the finish line, winning just four of their past 10 games while bleeding goals along the way.
My Capitals vs. Penguins predictions expect those struggles to continue in a game that holds little meaning for the road side.
Let’s further break down my April 17 NHL picks.
Capitals vs Penguins prediction
My best bet: Bryan Rust anytime goal (+195 at DraftKings)
My analysis
Bryan Rust has accomplished a lot during his excellent career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s won two Stanley Cups and has put forth some incredibly productive seasons individually.
Rust has averaged more than a point per game in a season before. He’s also scored goals at better than a 40-goal pace on a per 82-game basis.
One thing he’s never done, though, is pot 30 goals in a single season. Rust scored 27 goals in 55 games back in 2019-20 and potted 28 in 65 games just a year ago. His goal per game outputs were higher in those years; he just didn’t get in enough games.
This is the first time Rust has had 30 goals firmly within his reach and, soon to be 33 years of age, it’s possibly his last due to injury concerns or a decline in his game.
With little else to play for in the team’s season finale, captain Sidney Crosby would no doubt love to help his linemate and long-time friend reach this milestone.
The matchup is sneaky-good for it as well. The Washington Capitals have struggled mightily to keep the puck out of their net lately, allowing a ridiculous 43 goals over their last 10 games. Only the rebuilding Sharks – who sold off further at the deadline – conceded more in that time.
The Capitals have had the league’s worst goaltending in that span as they continue on without the injured Logan Thompson.
Combine their inability to get a save with little to no motivation as they try to get through the season healthy and this is a spot where Rust and the Penguins could and should do damage offensively.
Capitals vs Penguins same-game parlay (SGP)
Bryan Rust Over 0.5 goals
Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 assists
Pittsburgh Penguins moneyline
Sidney Crosby ranks 15th in the NHL in assists. He has picked up at least one in 52% of his games this season, a number that jumps to 57% when isolating home games.
He has enjoyed success against the Capitals along the way, picking up assists in two of three head-to-head meetings thus far. Impressive considering they were unstoppable for the vast majority of the season.
One would have to imagine Crosby has a better chance of picking up an assist against the watered down lineup he’s likely to face tonight. Crosby is also as selfless as they come and will be spoon feeding Rust every chance he gets to help him push for 30.
I also like the Penguins to take care of business. They’ve been much better at home (20 wins in 40 games) than on the road (13 wins in 41 games). They’d like to end their season on a high in front of their home crowd and will be more motivated than a Capitals squad with eyes on the playoffs.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Capitals vs Penguins odds
Capitals vs Penguins live odds
Capitals vs Penguins opening odds
- Puck line: Washington +1.5 (-270) | Pittsburgh -1.5 (+200
- Moneyline: Washington -105 | Pittsburgh -106
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-105) | Under 6 (-116)
Capitals vs Penguins trend
The Pittsburgh Penguins have hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 28 games at home (+5.40 Units / 17% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Penguins.
How to watch Capitals vs Penguins
| Location | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Thursday, 4-17-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Capitals vs Penguins latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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