The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Florida kick off the new year against the Panthers. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey, where we provide in-depth analysis, predictions, and key insights for the NHLs games. In today’s matchup, the Penguins look to gain valuable points up against the Stanley Cup champions.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Florida Panthers
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Panthers
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Sportsnet (Canada); Sportsnet Pittsburgh; Scripps; NHL Network
In their second game of the season, the Penguins and Panthers have very different trajectories. Pittsburgh is looking to gain some momentum following a loss against the Detroit Red Wings. They’re near a playoff spot, and need to string some wins together. Meanwhile, the Panthers are competing for the top spot in the Atlantic division.
The Penguins’ Story
With a 17-17-5 record, Pittsburgh is in a position to choose its own destiny. The team has consistently kept themselves in the playoff hunt in the last couple of seasons, only to fall just short. Led by captain Sidney Crosby, the offensive prowess will need to be on full display against Florida. Crosby has 41 points in 39 games to lead the team. Forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust have been hot lately playing with the captain. They have 31 and 27 points on the season respectively.
In net, Pittsburgh has been receiving better performances from their starter as of late. Tristan Jarry is 2-2-1 in his last five, looking to help the Penguins gain some valuable points. Jarry is a former all-star and will need to tap into his skills to lead Pittsburgh to a win against the cup champions.
The Panthers’ Story
The Florida Panthers are thriving with a 23-13-2 record. They are right around the top of the Atlantic Division, fighting the Toronto Maple Leafs for the lead. Sam Reinhart has been a standout performer, leading the team with 45 points in 38 games. Captain Aleksander Barkov has added an incredible offensive flair to his two-way game. He has 34 points in 28 games. Superstar forward Matthew Tkachuk is also contributing well with 35 points in 33 games.
Florida’s stout defensive group has allowed their goaltenders some breathing room. Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight have below-average save percentages with .896 and .887 respectively. Bobrovsky is 17-7, and Knight is 6-6-1. Although both goaltenders have struggled, the Panther’s system has shown an ability to allow for less than average performances to be enough.
Prediction
Both teams are looking to build some momentum in this game. While Florida is a far better team on paper, Pittsburgh is in a far more desperate spot. As such, expect the Penguins to come out with a lot of energy in this game.
Prediction: Penguins win 4-3 in overtime.
Prop Bet for the Night
FanDuel’s over-7 at a +200 is a good bet in a game with teams focused on offence.
Main photo by: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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