Penguins vs Capitals odds - Ovechkin, Crosby meet up for first time in playoffs

Online betting handicappers know that the Capitals vs Penguins odds is really just a different name for the matchup we all want to see: Alexander Ovechkin versus Sidney Crosby. This is the battle the NHL’s publicity team has been waiting for.

The Caps vs Penguins odds are virtually even and that’s because the two teams are as well. This will be one of the most viewed playoff series in a long time, so let’s a take a closer look at the odds:

Penguins vs Capitals odds: Sportsbook has series at -110 both ways

• Crosby versus Ovechkin is the marquee matchup
• Goaltending will be the key to the series
• Capitals will need to help from their home crowd

While the odds for the series are virtually even, they aren’t exactly. The Capitals odds should list them as somewhat of a favorite because they do have home ice advantage, but the sportsbook odds makers are saying that the two teams are even.

The Capitals odds to win are directly linked to the play of their goaltending. While it was a move that flew under the radar, head coach Bruce Boudreau’s decision to switch goaltenders from Jose Theodore to 21-year-old Simeon Varlamov was a definitive one. The main question will be how Varlamov handles a high-scoring opponent in the playoffs. The rookie looked pretty solid in the first round against the New York Rangers, but the Rangers are a low-scoring team. The Penguins can blitz the Capitals with several lines.

While the Caps vs Penguins odds will be decided by the goaltenders, the best matchup will be between Crosby and Ovechkin. For a few years now, people have been asking the question: If you had to start a franchise, would you start with Crosby or Ovechkin? Now we’ll get a better answer as the two go head-to-head.

The two players actually don’t like each other so much as Ovechkin has gotten under Crosby’s skin a number of times. The Penguins odds shouldn’t really be affected, though, as Crosby always maintains his poise regardless of what his opponents are trying to do. Not to mention the Penguins have more experience after going to the Stanley Cup Finals last year, which is why a lot of people are backing the Penguins odds.

At the end of the day, the Capitals will need another stellar series from Valarmov and will also need to live off of the energy of their home crowd if they want to win. The Penguins are just a little bit stronger in every area, and if the goaltender and home ice won’t be the equalizer, the Penguins will be back in the Eastern Conference Finals for a second consecutive season.

DON’S PICK: Penguins -110

For more sports betting lines and hockey betting analysis, visit the Betting Edge throughout the Stanley Cup betting playoffs.

Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.