A busy Saturday for the NHL includes the star-studded matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks. Welcome back to NHL predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we examine upcoming games, providing predictions, and analyzing head-to-head matchups. In today’s prediction article, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins take on Quinn Hughes and the Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions for all the busy games on this Saturday in October on Last Word on Hockey!
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Penguins 0-0 Canucks
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT); 7:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
TV: Sportsnet; ESPN+
The NHL season is in full swing, and both teams in this matchup are looking to establish momentum. The Penguins are coming off a 3-5-1 start, showing some flashes of brilliance, while severely lacking consistency. Meanwhile, the Canucks have had a good start, going 3-1-2, attaining 8 out of a possible 12 points in their contests so far.
The Penguins’ Story for Our NHL Predictions Today
This star-studded Pittsburgh group has shown moments of excellence while struggling to maintain consistency. Evgeni Malkin has been a standout to start the year, scoring 11 points in nine games. The Penguins bottom six has also started well, with third-line centre Lars Eller leading the team in goals. However, Pittsburgh’s goaltending situation has remained unclear. Tristan Jarry was sent back to Pittsburgh to focus on his form while the team continues on their Western Canadian trip. Playing the second night of a back-to-back, Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to start tonight, as Joel Blomqvist was in goal last night. Defensive lapses have been an issue for the team, as the defence has allowed numerous odd-man rushes, no matter who’s in the cage. The team will need more from stars like Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson to get past a strong Canucks team. With the defence struggling, the Canucks high-powered offence will be their key to victory.
The Canucks’ Story
The Vancouver Canucks have had a good start to the season. Most of the core has shown up as expected, leading to a winning record. In the team’s first six games, core players Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller, Conor Garland, and Quinn Hughes are all tied for the team lead with six points a piece. Additionally, the depth has shown up as well, with bottom sixers Nils Hoglander, Jake DeBrusk, Teddy Blueger, and Danton Heinen all averaging over 0.5 points per game. While the team is receiving great performances, star centre Elias Pettersson has struggled. Scoring just three assists to start the season, Pettersson has been on a scoring skid since mid-way through last season. With starter Thatcher Demko out, Kevin Lankinen has stepped up, going 3-0-1 with a .941 save percentage. He is likely to get the start against the Penguins. As always, check the latest lineup news and notes before locking in your fantast picks.
As fantastic as the rest of the Canucks group is, Pettersson is the team’s X-factor, and neutralizing him could be the Penguins’ key to victory.
Prediction
Although Pettersson has struggled, the Canucks hold an advantage playing on home ice in their time zone. The Penguins recent defensive struggles have let down the offensive group, and their goaltending has been leaky at times.
Prediction: Canucks win 3-2 in OT.
Prop Bets of the Night for this Edition of NHL Predictions
Taking a look at Fanduel’s available bets, we would recommend taking the 3-2 Canucks exact score bet, with a +2300.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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