The Pittsburgh Penguins play host to the Vegas Golden Knights in a rematch. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, Pittsburgh faces Vegas at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins aim to build on momentum following a 3-1 win against the Minnesota Wild. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights look to rebound following a 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
NHL Predictions
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN+, Sportsnet+,
This is the second and final meeting between these teams this season. The two teams played just half a week ago, where the Golden Knights shutout the Penguins 4-0 on home-ice at T-Mobile Arena.
The Penguins’ Story
Following a win against the Wild in what was legendary goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury’s final game against the Penguins, Pittsburgh improved to a 25-31-10 record. With the win, the team snapped a four-game losing streak. Even with the win, the team is 2-7-1 in their last 10, and sixth-last in the league.
Captain Sidney Crosby leads the Penguins in points. With 68 points in 64 games, Crosby has built a decent pad on what could be his 20th straight point-per-game season. This would break Wayne Gretzky’s record and add another significant accolade to the generational talent’s resume. To help him break the record are his linemates, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. Rakell sits second in team scoring with 54 points in 65 games, while Rust’s 47 points in 55 games places him at third. It’ll take the offence of this trio as well as offensive defenceman Erik Karlsson to break through the strong Vegas Golden Knight’s defence.
The Golden Knights’ Story
Following a relatively quiet trade deadline for the Golden Knights, the team has a record of 38-19-6. With this run, Vegas ranks as the top team in the Pacific Division, with a four-point lead on the Edmonton Oilers in second. Even with the 6-5 loss to the Kings, Vegas is 7-2-1 in their last 10, ranking fifth in the NHL.
Superstar Jack Eichel leads the way for Vegas, scoring 77 points in 62 games. With 20 goals and 57 assists, Eichel looks poised to surpass his previous career-high of 78 points in this game against Pittsburgh. Eichel is supported by core roster players Tomas Hertl and Shea Theodore. With an injury to captain Mark Stone, Hertl and Theodore have helped carry the offensive load with Eichel. Hertl has 27 goals and 52 points in 63 games, while Theodore has 48 points in 55 games.
NHL Prediction
The Vegas Golden Knights have a clear advantage in this match-up. Not only is their roster better, but Vegas has incentive to win, needing to pad points against the Edmonton Oilers to ensure a favourable match-up and home-ice for as long as possible in the playoffs.
NHL Prediction: Golden Knights win 6-3.
Prop Bet for the Night
Total Goals Over 8 (+340): Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom-three in goals allowed in the NHL. While Tristan Jarry had a good bounce back game against Minnesota, this lacklustre Penguins defence is likely to struggle to isolate him against a hungry Vegas team. Expect a high-scoring game here.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images
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