On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the visiting Washington Capitals at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This would be the third match up for both teams this season. Game time is set at 7:30PM ET.
Pittsburgh currently holds the best NHL record and Eastern Conference top team this season with 22 wins, 8 losses and no overtime loss. They will put their nine-game winning streak on the line on Tuesday night against Washington.
Reigning MVP Evgeni Malkin has played sparingly for the Penguins. He has not yet fully recovered from the full effects of concussion and upper body injury. Defenseman Kris Letang might join him in the injury list after he suffered a lower body injury in Sunday's 2-1 win over Boston.
Pittsburgh does have a very deep bench; expect coach Dan Bylsma to tinker his rotation if Kris Letang will not be available against Washington. Team defense would also be a factor in this game since Pittsburgh has allowed only 5 goals in their last five games.
The Washington Capitals was perceived as an Eastern Confernce contender during the offseason. However, they started on the wrong foot and must find a way to turn around their game for shortened season due to the lockout.
The Capitals have a road record of 4-8-1 but they have one two of their last three games. Captain Alex Ovechkin knows that they must take it a game at a time and not to put too much pressure on themselves.
The sportsbook handicappers have installed the Pittsburgh Penguins as a 1.5-point favorite to beat the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.
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