The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets in a matchup that could significantly impact both teams' playoff aspirations. The Penguins are currently at 28-32-10, while the Blue Jackets stand at 31-28-8.
Key Factors to Consider
The Blue Jackets have a slight edge in overall performance this season, but the Penguins have shown resilience in recent games. The Penguins are 2-3 in their last five games, while the Blue Jackets have been inconsistent.
Recent head-to-head statistics are not detailed, but generally, home teams like the Penguins tend to perform better against visiting teams like the Blue Jackets.
No specific injury reports are available for this matchup, but both teams have faced challenges with player health throughout the season.
The home advantage could play a significant role for the Penguins, as they have a strong record at PPG Paints Arena.
Both teams are motivated to secure crucial points for playoff contention, but the Penguins might have an edge playing at home.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Columbus Blue Jackets: +114, Pittsburgh Penguins: -135
Penguins
★★★☆☆ 55%
Spread
Columbus Blue Jackets: +1.5 -225, Pittsburgh Penguins: -1.5 +185
The Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Islanders in a crucial NHL matchup. Both teams are closely matched, with the Islanders having a slight edge in recent form.
Key Factors to Consider
The Islanders have a record of 29-28-8, while the Penguins are 27-31-10. The Islanders have shown better consistency in shots on goal, averaging 29.74 shots per game, compared to the Penguins' 29.24.
Recent head-to-head data is not available, but both teams have had mixed results in their last few games.
The Islanders are missing Semyon Varlamov and Mathew Barzal, while the Penguins are without Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Ryan Shea. Both teams have players listed as day-to-day.
Home advantage could play a role for the Penguins, but the Islanders' recent form might counteract this.
Both teams are motivated to secure points in the tight NHL standings.
The Pittsburgh Penguins host the St. Louis Blues in a crucial NHL matchup. The Penguins are looking to build on recent wins, while the Blues aim to maintain their strong form despite injuries.
Key Factors to Consider
The Penguins have shown improvement with two consecutive wins, while the Blues have been impressive with a 6-1-2 record since the break. However, the Blues are missing key players like Colton Parayko.
Historically, the Penguins have a slight edge, but recent games have been closely contested, with each team winning at home last season.
The Blues are without Colton Parayko, which could impact their defense. The Penguins have made significant roster changes but seem to be adjusting well.
The Penguins are in the midst of a homestand, which could provide an advantage. The Blues are on a long road trip, which might affect their performance.
Both teams are highly motivated, with the Blues fighting for a Wild Card spot and the Penguins looking to salvage their season.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
St. Louis Blues: -117, Pittsburgh Penguins: -105
St. Louis Blues
★★★☆☆ 55%
Spread
St. Louis Blues: -1.5 +215, Pittsburgh Penguins: 1.5 -275
St. Louis Blues
★★☆☆☆ 45%
Over_under
Over 5.5: -124, Under 5.5: 102
Over 5.5
★★★☆☆ 60%
Predicted Outcome
St. Louis Blues to win
Predicted Score: St. Louis Blues 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 2
The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Vegas Golden Knights in a matchup where the Golden Knights are favored. The Penguins are on a losing streak, while the Golden Knights are riding a recent win streak.
Key Factors to Consider
The Golden Knights are performing well, sitting first in the Pacific Division with a strong home win streak. The Penguins are struggling, having lost several games in a row and sitting eighth in the Metropolitan Division.
In their most recent matchup, the Golden Knights dominated the Penguins with a 4-0 shutout win. This performance indicates a strong advantage for Vegas.
There is no specific mention of significant injuries affecting the matchup, but the Penguins' recent trades and player movements might impact their lineup.
Home ice advantage typically favors teams in the NHL, but the Golden Knights' recent form and performance on the road could mitigate this factor.
The Golden Knights are highly motivated to continue their winning streak and maintain their division lead, while the Penguins are looking to break their losing streak and improve their playoff chances.
Location: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Game Overview
The Minnesota Wild host the Pittsburgh Penguins in an NHL matchup. The Wild are favored to win, with a strong home record and recent performances. However, they face challenges with key injuries and a recent losing streak.
Key Factors to Consider
The Wild have a solid record but are on a five-game losing streak. The Penguins have struggled this season but have shown resilience on the road.
Recent head-to-head data is limited, but the Wild generally perform well against Eastern Conference teams at home.
The Wild are missing key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, while the Penguins are without Pierre-Olivier Joseph.
The game is televised on TNT, which might add pressure but also motivation for both teams.
Both teams are motivated, with the Wild seeking to break their losing streak and the Penguins looking to improve their playoff chances.
The Vegas Golden Knights host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a matchup where the Golden Knights are favored due to their strong home performance and overall season record.
Key Factors to Consider
The Golden Knights have a superior record (37-18-6) compared to the Penguins (24-30-10), indicating a strong team performance advantage for Vegas.
Recent head-to-head data is not provided, but generally, the Golden Knights have been performing better than the Penguins this season.
The Golden Knights have several players out, including William Karlsson, Shea Theodore, and Cole Schwindt. The Penguins are missing Pierre-Olivier Joseph.
Home advantage is significant in the NHL, with teams winning about 54.5% of their home games.
Both teams have different motivations; the Golden Knights are pushing for a strong playoff position, while the Penguins are fighting to stay in contention.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Penguins: +200, Golden Knights: -250
Golden Knights
★★★★☆ 76%
Spread
Penguins: +1.5 -122, Golden Knights: -1.5 100
Golden Knights
★★★☆☆ 60%
Over_under
Over 6.5: +102, Under 6.5: -124
Under 6.5
★★★☆☆ 55%
Predicted Outcome
The Vegas Golden Knights are likely to win this matchup given their strong season performance and home advantage.
The Colorado Avalanche, currently 4th in the Central Division, host the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are 8th in the Metropolitan Division. The Avalanche have a strong home record, while the Penguins struggle on the road.
Key Factors to Consider
Colorado has been performing well at home with a 16-10-2 record, while Pittsburgh has struggled away from home with a 10-15-5 record. Colorado's offense averages 3.17 goals per game, and their defense allows 3.02 goals per game. Pittsburgh averages 2.86 goals scored and 3.54 goals allowed per game.
In their previous matchup on December 10, 2024, Colorado won 6-2. Historically, Colorado tends to have an edge over Pittsburgh.
No significant injury reports have been highlighted for this matchup, but any last-minute updates could impact team performance.
Home ice advantage has historically favored teams in the NHL, with a winning percentage of about 54.5%. This could boost Colorado's chances.
Both teams are motivated to secure points, but Colorado's stronger position in the standings might give them an edge in terms of playoff implications.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, currently second in the Atlantic Division, face the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are eighth in the Metropolitan Division. Toronto is on a four-game winning streak, while Pittsburgh has struggled with consistency.
Key Factors to Consider
Toronto has been performing well offensively, averaging 3.19 goals per game, while Pittsburgh has struggled defensively, allowing 3.59 goals per game. Toronto's power play is strong at 24.3%, while Pittsburgh's penalty kill is 79.2%.
Toronto leads the recent head-to-head with a 6-4-0 record in their last 10 games against Pittsburgh. The season series is currently tied 1-1.
Christopher Tanev is questionable for Toronto with an upper body injury. There are no significant injury reports for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is playing on consecutive days, which could lead to fatigue. Toronto has been strong on the road, winning six of their last seven away games.
Toronto is motivated to increase their division lead, while Pittsburgh seeks to improve their playoff chances.