Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins.
NHL Predictions: Including Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins
Head to Head: Penguins 0-1 Bruins
Today’s lone game on this set of NHL Predictions is a special one. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins take the ice at Fenway Park for the 2023 Winter Classic. These games are always special, and these two teams are no strangers to these events.
The two teams have met up once before this game. In a thriller of a game, the Bruins defeated the Penguins 6-5, thanks mainly to Hampus Lindholm. These two teams could rack up the scoring as the Bruins lead the league in goals (137) and the Penguins are at 11th (120).
Entering play today, both teams have the two best penalty-killing units (Boston first, Pittsburgh second). The major difference is the Bruins have the fifth-best power play in the league, thanks to David Pastrnak and his 10 goals.
But the x-factor to this game will be the goaltending. Linus Ullmark has been spectacular for the Bruins. He leads the league in wins, save percentage, and goals against average. He posted stellar numbers in December (1.72 GAA, .943 save percentage) and lost just once, coming in a shootout.
His counterpart Tristan Jarry was just as good. He went 7-2-1 and finished with a 2.60 GAA and a .921 save percentage. Both goalies will be heavily relied on in today’s game.
The season for these two teams is special. Evgeni Malkin has played his 1000th game, and Patrice Bergeron has recorded his 1000th point. For millennial hockey fans, this hits home watching your favourite players all this time.
Prediction: Bruins win 3-2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
