Enjoy it while you can, as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin take the ice against each other again tonight.
The pregame narrative: Ovechkin is barreling toward Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record with the NHL-leading Washington Capitals. Crosby, meanwhile, is having another solid year as his Pittsburgh Penguins fight for a wild-card spot.
Check out our Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props, odds and predictions for Jan. 18.
Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin props
Crosby props and best bet
| Crosby prop markets | Betting odds |
| Over 0.5 points | -225 |
| Under 0.5 points | +155 |
| To record a power-play point | +190 |
| To score | +200 |
| Over 2.5 shots | -120 |
| Under 2.5 shots | -118 |
NHL odds as of 3:3.55 p.m. ET on 01/18/2024.
Best Bet: Under 0.5 points (+155)
Crosby is playing at just over a point-per-game pace this year with 48 points in 47 matchups. Even at 37 years old, you have to wonder where the Penguins would be without their captain leading the way.
But I’m looking to fade Sid tonight.
Pittsburgh has lost seven of its last nine games while averaging just 2.6 goals per game. His linemates, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, aren’t exactly elite.
But you know what is elite? Washington’s goaltending.
Tonight, the Capitals are rolling with Vezina contender Logan Thompson.
He’s 20-2-3 with a 2.13 GAA (third in NHL) and .924 SV% (T-third in NHL).
Crosby has been held pointless in three of his last four games.
Ovechkin props and best bet
| Ovechkin prop markets | Betting odds |
| Over 0.5 points | -225 |
| Under 0.5 points | +155 |
| To record a power-play point | +130 |
| To score | +115 |
| Over 3.5 shots | +105 |
| Under 3.5 shots | -150 |
NHL odds as of 3:55 p.m. ET on 01/18/2024.
Best Bet: Ovechkin over 3.5 shots (+105)
Pittsburgh’s defence and goaltending have been awful this season and I expect Ovechkin to get plenty of chances.
The Pens are allowing the sixth-most chances (61.42) and fourth-most shots (30.69) against per 60, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Ovechkin is 4-7 against this mark since returning from an injury on Dec. 28. But he’s also landed on exactly three shots five different times.
He’s consistently right around this number and gets a good enough matchup where I think he’ll go over the top.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.