Capitals vs Penguins Picks and Prediction – 4/17/2025

On Thursday, the Washington Capitals (50-21-9) face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (33-36-12) at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Make sure you stay up to date with all the NHL action, with our expert NHL picks.

Pittsburgh comes into this matchup on a one-game losing streak, but has won three of their last five games. In a recent matchup against Boston, the Penguins fell 4-1, with Rickard Rakell providing the team’s only goal of the game. Rakell has been the team’s top goal scorer this season, netting 35 goals so far. Right behind him is Sidney Crosby, who has found the back of the net 32 times. However, Crosby leads the Penguins in total points this season, racking up an impressive 89 points through his combined goals and assists. He’s also Pittsburgh’s leading playmaker, having collected 57 assists. Looking at their recent form, the Penguins have averaged 3.2 goals per game over their past five contests. They are now hoping to even the season series when they face off against the Capitals in their next game. Throughout the current campaign, Pittsburgh’s offense has averaged 2.9 goals per game overall.

Washington enters this game on a two-game losing streak and has dropped three of their last five games prior to their game against the New York Islanders. In their recent 4-1 defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Alex Ovechkin was the only Washington Capitals player to find the back of the net. Ovechkin continues to be the team's top goal scorer this season, having notched 43 goals so far. Tom Wilson follows as the Capitals’ second-best goal producer, currently sitting at 33 goals for the year. Dylan Strome leads the team in overall points, accumulating an impressive 78 points this season. Strome has also emerged as Washington’s most prolific playmaker, topping the team with 52 assists. Defensively, the Capitals have struggled recently, giving up an average of 4.4 goals per game over their past five games. As they prepare to wrap up their season series with the Pittsburgh Penguins on the road, the Capitals are hoping to win three out of the four matchups between the teams this year. On the offensive side, Washington has averaged 3.5 goals per game throughout the season.

Washington aims to secure a series win by taking two of three games against the Penguins this season, but the team is careful not to overlook their opponent. Pittsburgh has showcased impressive defensive performances in their recent home games and will try to use that strength to counter Washington’s high-powered offense. Both teams are aware of each other's capabilities, setting the stage for a highly competitive matchup. Final Score Prediction, Washington Capitals win 4-0.