The Pittsburgh Penguins conclude their 2024–25 season on home ice tonight, hosting the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena. Welcome back to NHL Prediction s here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, the Penguins aim to finish their season on a high note, while the Capitals look to maintain momentum gearing up for the playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Capitals 2–1 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet+
This is the fourth and final meeting between the Capitals and Penguins this season. Pittsburgh won the first matchup 4–2 on November 8, while Washington took the next two games 4-1 and 8-3. The Capitals have already clinched the Metropolitan Division title, while the Penguins are playing for pride in their season finale.
The Penguins’ Story
Heading into the final game of the season, Pittsburgh is 33-36-12. This record places them fourth-last in the Eastern Conference, and eighth-last in the league. With just one game left in the season, the most Pittsburgh can improve their standing is ninth-lowest in the league, potentially passing the Anaheim Ducks. On the other hand, it is possible for the Buffalo Sabres to pass the Penguins, which would place them seventh-last. With a final placement in the 7-9 range, Pittsburgh is likely to select in the top ten for the first time since 2012 in this years NHL Entry Draft.
Even with a disappointing season, there have been multiple bright spots. Father Time has yet to come for Captain Sidney Crosby , who comes into this game with 89 points in 79 games. He’s achieved this with incredible support from his wingers Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust . Rakell has scored 35 goals and 69 points, while Rust has 29 goals and 63 points.
A youth movement is taking place in Pittsburgh, with many younger players coming into Pittsburgh and making an impact. Ville Koivenun’s five points in seven games has helped him improve his stock, as he is likely to be an NHL starter next season. Along with him is Rutger McGroarty . McGroarty had three points in five games prior to going down with injury to end the season. The pair of forwards, rookie defenceman Owen Pickering , and young defenceman Conor Timmins are likely to become mainstays on the main roster next year.
The Capitals’ Story
The Washington Capitals have had an unexpectedly amazing season. With a 51-21-9 record, the Capitals’ 111 points is good for tops in the East, and second best in the entire NHL. The Capitals weren’t even expected to be in a divisional playoff spot coming into this season. However, with key additions and the overarching storyline of Alex Ovechkin ’s goal record chase, the Capitals played far beyond expectations to put together a fantastic regular season.
Captain Alex Ovechkin leads the team in scoring. His 43 goals in 64 games were enough to complete his chase of Wayne Gretzky ’s goal-scoring record. He owes a lot of his success to the new guard of Washington. Dylan Strome has 81 points in 81 games to lead the Caps in points. Young guns like Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael have also been impressive, as Protas has 66 points on the season, and McMichael has 56. The team boasts incredible depth as well. Expect some of the lesser-known Caps to get significant time against the Penguins as the club gets ready for the first round against either the Montreal Canadiens or the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Prediction
The Washington Capitals are top-tier team this season, while the Penguins are set for their worst record in over a decade. Expect the theme of this season to continue in this final game, with a Capitals win.
Prediction: Capitals win 5–3
Prop Bet for the Night
Total Goals Over 7 (+210): A defensive anemic Penguins squad faces off against a high-powered and deep Capitals roster. Expect Washington to run up the score in this game.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 17th Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .