Even UFC fans should appreciate the intensity in the rivalry on the ice between Pittsburgh and Washington; these two teams don’t like each other and it was only increased when David Steckel (now with Toronto) hit Sidney Crosby last January (Crosby has yet to play since that hit). The two meet for the first time on Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Capitals Penguins Odds – Thursday, 7:00 PM ET

The Capitals got their season off to a solid start with a 4-3 overtime win at home over Carolina, getting the winner from Mike Green and if he can stay healthy, Washington’s odds at your price per head services should improve. They still have the likes of Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, and you may see the Capitals play more openly after trying to be a defensive team for most of last year.

The Penguins started the campaign in Western Canada, defeating Vancouver and Calgary before falling to Edmonton, but more importantly, Evgeni Malkin had to sit out with a lower-body injury. The Penguins fared extremely well with Malkin on the sidelines last year, especially without Crosby, but they can’t afford to lose Malkin for an extended amount of time.

NHL betting odds should have Pittsburgh favored at home (although if Malkin is out, the line will be much closer), but the Capitals have won eight of their last 10 in Pittsburgh (including five in a row) with seven games going over the posted total. For whatever reason, the Capitals have the Penguins’ number in Pittsburgh, and that will continue on Thursday. Take Washington in your sport betting picks.