In this article we will formulate a Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, December 31st at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Detroit Red Wings Betting Preview
The Detroit Red Wings are 14-18-4 this year after they defeated Washington by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Detroit scored four goals in the first period and they were able to hold on for the win. The Red Wings recorded 27 shots on goal, won 52.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Detroit got goals from DeBrincat (2), Kane, and Raymond, while Lyon stopped 25 out of 27 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Red Wings lost four games in a row against the Maple Leafs, Blues, and Canadiens (twice). Detroit has dropped five of their last eight games and they are tied for last in the Atlantic standings with 32 points. Detroit has scored 2.58 goals per game and they have allowed 3.28 goals against per game, while also going 22.9% on the power play and 69.7% on the penalty kill this season. Lucas Raymond has led Detroit with 15 goals, 21 assists, and 72 shots on goal, while Dylan Larkin has added 12 goals, 16 assists, and 95 shots on goal this year. Alex Lyon is 6-5-0 with a 2.91 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 17-16-5 this season after they defeated the Islanders by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 3-0 in the third period, but they did allow two late goals and barely escaped with the win. The Penguins outshot New York by a total of 41-31, won 49.3% of the face-offs, and went 2-2 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Beauvillier, Bunting, and Malkin, while Nedeljkovic stopped 29 out of 31 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Penguins lost to the Islanders on the road by a score of 6-3 but did beat the Flyers by a score of 7-3 before that. Pittsburgh has won four of their last six games and they are fourth in the Metro standings with 39 points. Pittsburgh has scored 3.08 goals per game and they have allowed 3.66 goals against per game, while also going 25.9% on the power play and 83% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 10 goals, 30 assists, and 113 shots on goal, while Rickard Rakell has added 17 goals, 14 assists, and 87 shots on goal this year. Tristan Jarry is 8-6-2 with a 3.58 goals against average and an .885 save percentage this year.
Why the Red Wings will beat the Penguins
- The home team has won each of the Penguins’ last four games.
- The Penguins have lost five of their last six games following a win.
- The Red Wings have covered the puck line in each of their last four home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four games following a home win.
- The favorites have won the third period in each of the Penguins’ last four games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Red Wings’ last six games as favorites following a win has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Eight of the Penguins’ last nine night games against the Red Wings following a win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2’ market has hit in each of the last 12 games between the Penguins and Red Wings.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 22 of the Penguins’ last 23 road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Detroit Red Wings Player Prop Facts
- Lucas Raymond has scored a goal in seven of the Red Wings’ last eight home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Dylan Larkin has recorded at least one assist in each of his last four appearances against the Penguins after playing less than 20 minutes in the Red Wings’ last game.
- Lucas Raymond has recorded at least one point in 13 of the Red Wings’ last 14 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one point in each of the Penguins’ last six games against the Red Wings.
- Kris Letang has scored a goal in each of the Penguins’ last four games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one assist in each of the Penguins’ last six games against the Red Wings.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Detroit Red Wings rank 31st in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (69.70%).
- The Detroit Red Wings rank 29th in the league for goals per game this season (2.58).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 32nd in the league for goals against per game this season (3.66).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 4th in the league in power play percentage this season (25.93%).
Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction
Detroit comes into this matchup after snapping their losing streak with a nice win over the Capitals in their last game, as they continue to get used to their new head coach. The Red Wings are 8-10-2 at home this year, while the Penguins are 6-9-3 on the road. Pittsburgh has played pretty well over the last few weeks and they have won 10 of their last 15 games.
The Red Wings have played pretty poorly this season, but I do think they will show improvement under their new coach. Detroit is scoring just 2.58 goals per game this year, but they should find some success against this Pittsburgh defense that is allowing 3.66 goals per game. The Penguins have been way too inconsistent on defense for my liking and I think Detroit will continue to improve, so I like the Red Wings here.