By W.G. Ramirez
The Vegas Golden Knights took it on the chin Tuesday and have the night off. Great call here on Knights on Ice, with Cody Eakin getting the lone goal – it was pointed out that he would be one to watch for a goal by the Golden Knights, and the Under in the game.
When the Golden Knights are off, it’ll be a different format for the Betting Spotlight that looks at the Best Bets in hockey, with short and sweet paragraphs to the best value on the card.
Tonight there are three games on the card and there is one play that looks enticing – the total between rivals Washington and Pittsburgh.
For Wednesday
OVER 6.5 goals for Pittsburgh-Washington
Washington steps to the ice sporting a 4-1-2 home, and its 4.29 goals per game at home are tied with Calgary for first in the NHL. Given the rivalry, the Capitals will push the tempo against a Pittsburgh team that has struggled of late. The defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals – who have played over in three of four at home, the fourth being a push – have scored at least four goals in six of their last eight games.
And don’t be surprised to see the Caps help this game go high on the power play, the Capitals are 15 for 41 through the first 13 games. Their 36.6 percent success rate ranks first in the NHL, while their 15 power play goals are tied for first in the NHL. Yes, the Penguins are reeling from back-to-back losses in which they allowed five goals, not to mention five or more in three of their last four outings, but again – rivalry game.
Never discount Evgeni Malkin and the best player in hockey, Sid Crosby, in a game like this. The Pens are 4-0-2 on the road and roll in with 17-7 Over run while ordering room service dating back to last season.
Play this one high.
W.G. Ramirez is a freelance reporter in Las Vegas who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @WillieGRamirez