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I’m not pleased with how last night’s slate went as it was a 2-3 night for me, but today is a new day, and we’ve only got two NHL games on the board. Even though there are two games tonight, my focus is only on one of the best rivalries in the NHL over the past 10 years, Sidney Crosby against Alexander Ovechkin.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals ( 100, 6.5)
The Washington Capitals have patiently been waiting for their turn to open their season, while at the same time, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been angry about their opening night loss for the past two nights. Pittsburgh didn’t have their best showing on opening night, but having that one game under their belt is going to pay dividends in tonight’s matchup against the Capitals.
Bryan Rust stood out in a positive way for the Penguins in their opener against the Blackhawks. Not only did he score the game’s opening goal, but Rust led the entire team with five shots on goal. Playing on a line with Crosby and Jake Guentzel certainly helps Rust get those scoring chances, but he’s always been a guy who isn’t afraid to shoot the puck.
Last season, the Penguins had the fifth most shots on goal per game, and through one game this year they put up 41 shots. The Washington Capitals aren’t very strong in playing preventative defense as they were allowing 31.1 shots on goal against last season as well as giving up 29.17 scoring chances against per 60 minutes.
The Penguins won two out of the three meetings between the two teams last year, and overall, I think they’re the stronger group. Plus, they’ll have a chip on their shoulder from losing their first game.
I don’t have high expectations for the Capitals. Tonight will be 41-year-old Spencer Carbery’s first game as a head coach in the NHL, so that will be a challenge in itself.
Tristan Jarry didn’t have the strongest first showing on Tuesday night, but I have faith that he can outshine Darcy Kuemper, who skated to a .909 save percentage last season and a 2.87 goals against average.
I feel very strongly about Rust and the Penguins going into the nation’s capital and stealing two points in their home opener. I have multiple bets in this outing.
Bets: Pittsburgh Penguins ML -120 (play to -135) and Bryan Rust Over 2.5 Shots On Goal 105 (play to -110)
2023-24 record: 6-6-0 (-0.17 units)
