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Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Preview, Predictions and Picks for February 22, 2025

Updated on:
Apr 15, 2025 7:48 PM
The Washington Capitals, riding high on Tom Wilson's recent 2-goal game, travel to PPG Paints Arena to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins this Saturday at 3:00 PM. The Capitals, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division with a 36-11-8 record, look to extend their dominance against the struggling Penguins, who are 23-25-9 on the season. In this pivotal matchup, the Caps will aim to take the series lead, currently tied at 1-1.
Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Current Odds

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PIT
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Capitals vs Penguins statistics

Stat Capitals Penguins
Goals For per Game 3.56 2.86
Goals Against Average 2.49 3.44
Shots per Game 27.5 28.6
Shots Against per Game 27.6 30.3
Power Play Goals 36 40
Power Play Goals Against 28 31
Short Handed Goals 4 3
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 442 403
Power Play Percentage 23.2 24.8
Penalty Kill Percentage 82.6 79.6

Pittsburgh Penguins recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
2/8/25 @ Philadelphia Flyers L 3-2
2/7/25 @ New York Rangers W 3-2
2/4/25 vs New Jersey Devils L 3-2 SO
2/1/25 vs Nashville Predators W 3-0
1/29/25 @ Utah Hockey Club W 3-2 OT

Washington Capitals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
2/9/25 vs Utah Hockey Club L 5-4 SO
2/6/25 @ Philadelphia Flyers W 4-3
2/4/25 vs Florida Panthers W 6-3
2/1/25 vs Winnipeg Jets L 5-4 OT
1/30/25 @ Ottawa Senators L 5-4 OT

Pittsburgh Penguins injuries

  • Sidney Crosby (C): Day-To-Day
  • Rickard Rakell (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Bokondji Imama (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Bryan Rust (RW): Injured Reserve
  • Blake Lizotte (C): Day-To-Day

Washington Capitals injuries

  • Charlie Lindgren (G): Injured Reserve
  • Martin Fehervary (D): Day-To-Day
  • Alex Ovechkin (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Lars Eller (C): Injured Reserve
  • Andrew Mangiapane (LW): Day-To-Day

Capitals vs Penguins game info

Type Info
Venue PPG Paints Arena
Location Pittsburgh, PA
Puck drop Sat 3:00 PM
TV ABC

Capitals vs Penguins predictions

The Washington Capitals are skating into Pittsburgh with some strong momentum, especially after Tom Wilson's stellar performance that saw him net two goals. As they hit the ice at PPG Paints Arena, keep an eye on Dylan Strome. He's been an unsung hero lately, stringing together impressive assists to rack up 38 for the season so far. Despite Alex Ovechkin being on Injured Reserve, Strome's creative playmaking might just help the Capitals continue their dominance on the road, where they've picked up an impressive 19 wins already this season. What do you think—will Strome step up under the spotlight yet again?

Switching focus to the Penguins, their play at home can’t be ignored. Rickard Rakell is a constant threat on the wing with 25 goals to his name, and though he’s currently day-to-day, don't count him out just yet for making an impact. And of course, Sidney Crosby, even when playing through injuries, is synonymous with magic on the ice. His knack for threading the needle with 41 assists makes him a player the Capitals can't afford to overlook. Imagine the buzz if Crosby is cleared to play; his fan-favorite status at home could be just the spark the Penguins need to break their current adversities.

So, who takes the win in this clash of the titans? While both teams bring undeniable talent to the rink, the Capitals seem to have a slight edge, especially given their impressive track record on the road. But with the uncertainty surrounding key players like Rakell and Crosby, the Penguins might just have a rally in them, spurred on by the hometown crowd. While my gut leans toward a Capitals victory, close matchups like these in the NHL always hold room for surprises. What are your thoughts on this face-off—who do you see skating away with the victory?

Pittsburgh Penguins

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