The Boston Bruins will play the Pittsburgh Penguins in the game of the week! We're in Pittsburgh sharing our NHL odds series, making a Bruins-Penguins prediction and pick while showing you how to watch.
The Bruins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in overtime. Initially, the Jackets led 1-0, and the Bruins needed to come back. The Bruins received a powerplay chance and capitalized on it when Tyler Bertuzzi capped it off with a powerplay goal. Furthermore, Pavel Zacha and Charlie McAvoy got the helpers. The game went into overtime, and David Pastrnak finished it after slipping one through with a beautiful backhander into the net. Significantly, Linus Ullmark had 25 saves. The Bruins won 46 percent of their faceoffs. Also, they went 1 for 5 on the powerplay and killed off all five penalty kills. The Bruins also had 33 hits and 16 blocked shots.
The Penguins shut out the Nashville Predators 2-0. Early, the Pens got on the board thanks to a goal by Jason Zucker. Jake Guentzel tallied another goal to give the Penguins some buffer room. Significantly, Tristan Jarry made 28 saves to preserve the shutout. The Penguins won 53 percent of their faceoffs. Also, the Pens went 1 for 4 on the powerplay and killed off all three penalties. The Penguins also delivered 41 hits and 15 blocked shots.
The Bruins come into this game with a record of 58-12-5 and are the President's Trophy winners with nothing left to play for, with seven games remaining. Also, they are 8-2 over 10 games. The Bruins are 27-8-2 on the road. Meanwhile, the Penguins are 37-28-10 and fighting for a playoff spot. The Penguins are 4-6 over 10 games. Furthermore, they are 21-11-5 at home.
The Bruins have won both games against the Penguins this season, winning 6-5 in overtime in Pittsburgh and 2-1 at home against the Pens. Also, the Penguins are 4-5-1 in 10 games against the Bruins but 7-2-1 in the past 10 home games against the boys from Beantown.
Here are the Bruins-Penguins NHL odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NHL Odds: Bruins-Penguins Odds
Boston Bruins: -1.5 (+180)
Pittsburgh Penguins: +1.5 (-220)
Over: 6.5 (-105)
Under: 6.5 (-115)
How To Watch Bruins vs. Penguins
TV: SN1, ABC and ESPN+
Stream: NHL
Time: 3 PM ET/12 PM PT
*Watch NHL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*
Why The Bruins Could Cover The Spread
The Bruins have accomplished so much this season and are the best team in hockey. Therefore, they have plenty of firepower. But there are questions to as to how the lines will shuffle now that they have clinched the top spot.
Pastrnak has 52 goals and 46 assists, including 17 powerplay goals. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand has 20 goals and 43 assists. Patrice Bergeron has 27 goals and 30 assists. Likewise, David Krejci has 16 goals and 39 assists. These four lead an offense that is second in goals, fourth in shooting percentage, and 14th on the powerplay.
Ullmark is the top goalie in the crease with a record of 36-6-1, a goals-against average of 1.90, and a save percentage of .937. Ultimately, either he or Jeremy Swayman will go today. These goalies play behind the best defense and penalty kill in the NHL.
The Bruins will cover the spread if they can score early and often. Then, their defense must clap down on the Penguins.
Why The Penguins Could Cover The Spread
The Penguins might have some renewed energy after the shutout. However, the Bruins, even if they rest some players, are miles better than the Predators. It will be a challenging test for them.
Sidney Crosby is still the man in Pittsburgh. Significantly. he has 31 goals and 54 assists. Evgeni Malkin has 25 goals and 52 assists. Likewise, Guentzel has 33 goals and 34 assists. Rickard Rakell has 25 goals and 28 assists. Furthermore, these four lead an inconsistent offense that is 16th in goals, 26th in shooting percentage, and 13th on the powerplay.
Jarry is the leading goalie for the Penguins. Ultimately, he is 21-10-6 with a goals-against average of 2.98 and a save percentage of .908. Jarry backs a defense that is 21st in goals allowed and 17th on the penalty kill. Therefore, he must retain his consistent glovework to have a chance against the Bruins.
The Penguins will cover the spread if they can prevent the Bruins from getting powerplay chances. Then, they also must score first and hold the fort. How will the Penguins handle a suffocating defense?
Final Bruins-Penguins Prediction & Pick
The Bruins are the best team in hockey. However, there is a significant chance they might rest players now after clinching the top spot. Expect the Penguins to come out hard and give their best effort in an ability to claim a playoff spot. Therefore, the Penguins cover the spread here.
Final Bruins-Penguins Prediction & Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins: +1.5 (-220)
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