It’s a rivalry matchup between the New Jersey Devils and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL. In tonight’s matchup, the Penguins look to continue their win streak against a struggling Devils group.
NHL Predictions: New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Devils 1-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SN-PIT,MSGSN, ESPN+
Sidney Crosby and the Penguins host Jack Hughes and the Devils in a rivalry game.
Penguins Story
Pittsburgh comes into this game on a five-game winning streak. This comes off of their prior game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in which they trailed 4-1 before coming back and winning 5-4 in overtime. The Penguins have an overall record of 20-12-9 at the halfway point of the season. With this record, Pittsburgh sits in the second wildcard spot in the East. Good goaltending and a red-hot power play have been some of the biggest factors in this win streak. Starting the back-half of this season, Pittsburgh will need to continue collecting points to make a bid for the playoffs.
Sidney Crosby leads the Penguins in scoring. Ever since taking over for the franchise leader in points, Crosby and his team have been completely energized in their play. He has 24 goals and 47 points through 41 games on the season. It’s also been heavily rumoured that star centre of Evgeni Malkin is due back in the lineup in this game. The Russian forward had eight goals and 29 points through 26 games before his injury. Another important factor for the Penguins through this win streak has been production from their back end. The Penguins are getting scoring from all kinds of defenders, including Kris Letang and Ryan Shea, putting up good offensive numbers. However, it’s defenceman Erik Karlsson who has stolen the show from the blue line this season. Karlsson has scored three goals along with 31 points through 41 games this season.
In net, expect Stuart Skinner to get the start for the Penguins. Skinner started his time in Pittsburgh rough, losing his first three games. Since then, however, he’s won two straight and has a .874 save percentage as a Penguin.
Devils Story
The Devils are led in scoring by winger Jesper Bratt. Bratt has scored nine goals and 33 points in 43 games this season. Behind him, captain Nico Hischier has struggled to produce by his standards. He has just 12 goals and 32 points this season. The aforementioned Jack Hughes has done well when in the lineup, scoring 11 goals and 24 points through 25 games played. Defensively, Luke Hughes has struggled to live up to his brand-new, $9 million contract. He’s scored just four goals and 21 points through 43 games with questionable defensive play.
In net, expect Jake Allen to get the start after Jacob Markstrom was left in for all nine goals against versus the Islanders. Allen is 11-9-1 on the season with a .913 save percentage. He’s been an important part of keeping the Devils somewhat competitive through a rough season overall.
NHL Prediction
The New Jersey Devils are struggling heavily right now, while the Pittsburgh Penguins are on a roll. Getting Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup is sure to reinvigorate an already buzzing offensive group. Playing at home, expect the Penguins to come away with a win here.
Prop Bet of the Night
Pittsburgh has been scoring at will during this win streak, and are set to add back one of their best offensive players to the lineup. Expect a high-scoring game, in which a popular prop bet of goals over 7 with odds of +205 is a good one.
Main photo by: John Jones-Imagn Images
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