NHL Predictions: Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins, March 31st

Penguins Story

Pittsburgh comes into this game off an 8-3 win over the New York Islanders. After maybe the most important win of the season, the Penguins are 5-4-1 in their last 10. With an overall record of 37-21-16, Pittsburgh reclaims second in the Metropolitan Division. Although last night’s game was an incredible victory for the Penguins, they’ll need to refocus quickly. The Islanders are just one point back, while the Columbus Blue Jackets hang two points back of the Penguins. In the second half of a back-to-back, look for the Penguins to try to put together another explosive night against the team that’s had shaky goaltending all year long.

Last night’s game featured contributions from all around the lineup. Anthony Mantha, however, shone the brightest. He had two goals, including the game-winning goal, as well as an assist in the win. He is up to 29 goals and 57 points through 74 games this season. Rickard Rakell scored a pair of goals himself, now up to 19 goals and 42 points in 53 games. Look out for recent Penguins acquisition Elmer Soderblom in this game against his former team. Moved from Detroit to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline, Soderblom has begun to flourish on the Penguins’ fourth line. He had a goal and multiple hits last night, as well as a massive fight against Islander defenceman Scott Mayfield.

With Arturs Silovs getting the win last night, expect Stuart Skinner to appear in this game. Skinner is 10-7-5 with an .885 save percentage this season. However, now is a good time to remind you to always check official lineups before placing any bets.

Red Wings Story

The Detroit Red Wings are in the midst of another March collapse. They come into this game off a critical 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. With a 5-6-2 record in the month of March, the Red Wings have found themselves outside of a playoff spot, two points behind the Blue Jackets for the second wildcard spot. At one point in the season, it looked like Detroit might take the Atlantic Division title. Instead, they’ve fallen to the point of sitting eight points out of the third spot in the division with just nine games to go in the season. It’s safe to say that every game from here on out is a must-win for Detroit if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Even with things looking dire recently, there have been some bright spots overall. Forward Alex DeBrincat leads the team with 37 goals and 78 points in 73 games. Lucas Raymond continues to establish himself as one of the league’s premier wings. He has 24 goals and 71 points through 71 games. One of the biggest knocks against the Red Wings has been their lack of a true bona fide number one centre. This is magnified by Captain Dylan Larkin’s production this season. Through 66 games, Larkin has scored 29 goals and 57 points. Detroit will need more from their captain in order to get closer to the playoffs. Defenceman Justin Faulk will be another story in this game. Acquired from the St. Louis Blues at the deadline, Faulk has just a goal and two assists for three points in ten games with the Red Wings this season. 

Expect Cam Talbot to get the start in the net after John Gibson was pulled against the Flyers. Talbot is 12-8-5 with an .892 save percentage this season.

Prediction

This is a massive game for both teams. However, where it seems the Penguins are ready to rise to the occasion, it seems to be the opposite for Detroit. Expect a Penguins win in this game.

Prediction: Penguins win 5-3

Prop Bet of the Night

Offence has been the name of the game for the Penguins this season. Expecting that to continue, a popular prop bet of goals over seven with odds of +156 is a good one.

Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images