Though never the same without Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals will renew their rivalry tonight in Washington at the Verizon Center.

 

Having already split a pair of games earlier this season, both teams look poised to climb the NHL betting line with a convincing victory.

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Though the Pens have been dealing with a lot of injuries, they’ve managed to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. With their Atlantic Division counterparts starting the 2011-12 campaign off strong, however, Pittsburgh finds themselves playing catch up at mid-season.

Will a heated victory over Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals be enough to push the Pens up the standings and eventually ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers? Given the league’s current seeding format, Pittsburgh has to do better than third if they hope to hold home-ice advantage in the first-round of the playoffs.

But just because Pittsburgh could benefit from a big January victory doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily get one. The Caps have spent far too long underachieving to sit back and relax now that they have found some momentum.

With defenseman Mike Green back on the ice, Washington will look to replicate the success they haven’t managed to find since the 2009-10 season.

Betting Tips

- The last matchup in Washington was won by the Capitals 3-2 in OT.

- Over is 15-5 in the last 20 meetings in Washington.

- The Capitals are on a 2 game losing streak. 

- The Penguins are on a 5 game losing streak. 

Current Odds

PIT (120) | 5½ | WAS (-140)                     

 

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