The Calgary Flames come to Pittsburgh to face the 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 extend their win streak against a floundering Flames squad.
NHL Predictions: Calgary Flames vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Flames 0-0 Penguins
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, SN, TVAS, SN-PIT, ESPN+,
Penguins Story
Pittsburgh comes into this game on a six-game winning streak following their victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. The Penguins are 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. With a record of 21-12-9 on the season, Pittsburgh sits in the top Stanley Cup Playoff Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, just a few points behind the second and third spots in the Metropolitan Division. A combination of explosive goal-scoring and good goaltending have led to these results. Over the six-game win streak, Pittsburgh has averaged 4.83 goals-for-per-game, while averaging just 2.17 goals-against-per-game. The power play has also stayed red hot, sitting in the top five in the entire NHL.
Although the Penguins are getting scoring from all around the lineup, a lot of credit is due to captain Sidney Crosby, as well as defenceman Erik Karlsson, in addition to the goaltenders of the Penguins. All of whom have been some of the biggest contributors to this win streak for the Penguins. With another two assists against New Jersey, Crosby is up to 24 goals and 49 points in 42 games this season. Scoring a goal and an assist, Karlsson has four goals and 33 points through 42 games this season. Evgeni Malkin also scored in his return to the lineup with a pivotal goal on the power play. His return has given the Penguins three scoring lines. While Malkin has slotted beside Benjamin Kindel and Yegor Chinakhov, the consistent point-getter Thomas Novak centres the “towers of power” in Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha.
After a shaky start to his tenure in Pittsburgh, Stuart Skinner is on a roll. He’s won his last three starts, compiling a .949 save percentage over those games. However, expect Arturs Silovs to start against Calgary, while Skinner is likely to play the next day against the Boston Bruins. Silovs himself has won four straight starts for the Penguins. However, this is a good time for our disclaimer. Please check social media for the latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy rosters.
Flames Story
The Calgary Flames seemed to finally be looking at a low enough spot in the standings to receive a lottery pick in this year‘s draft. Losing 4-1 to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night, the Flames are 5-5-0 in their last 10, with a four-game losing streak. Their record of 18-22-4 places them third-last in the league, just ahead of the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets. Goal scoring has been hard to come by for the Calgary Flames, who rank second last in the league for goals for. Meanwhile, their defence has been average at best, ranking 16th in the league, mainly due to the efforts of goaltender Dustin Wolf. Additionally, the Flames have the league’s worst power play, clicking at just a 13.9% pace. Scoring will be the biggest challenge for the Flames in their game against Pittsburgh.
NHL Prediction
The Penguins and the Flames are on two completely different trajectories at the moment. The Penguins, having won six straight, while the Flames have lost four straight. Expect us to continue in this game with the Penguins coming away with yet another victory.
Prop Bet of the Night
High scoring has been the name of the game for the Penguins as of late. With this, expect a higher scoring game, and a popular prop bet of goals over seven with odds of +180 is a good bet.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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