In this article, we will formulate a Golden Knights vs Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Friday, March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-30-10, 30-34 ATS) continued with their poor form despite defeating the Flyers on the last day of February. The Penguins lost seven of the previous eight games and are currently on a three-game losing skid after losing to the Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Avalanche. Pittsburgh is at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division Standings with 58 points, four behind the Flyers and 30 behind the leaders Capitals.
The Penguins score 2.86 goals per game on average (18th), while they concede 3.63 GPG (31st). This season, Sidney Crosby leads the team with 66 points (19 G and 47 A). Rickard Rakell also has 53 points (29 G and 24 A), while Bryan Rust chips in with 47 points (21 G and 26 A).
Alex Nedeljkovic (12-13-5) is expected to start for the Penguins at the goal on Friday against the Golden Knights. The 29-year-old is allowing 3.14 goals per game this year with a .892 SV% and one shutout.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights (37-18-6, 36-25 ATS) experienced a poor run of results from early January to early February when they lost 11 of 14 games. Since then, the Golden Knights improved and recorded six wins in seven games. Right now, Vegas is on a three-game winning streak after defeating the Blackhawks, Devils, and Maple Leafs. The Knights are on a five-game home stand which will end on Sunday against the Kings. Vegas is at the top of the Pacific Division Standings with 80 points, four more than the Oilers.
The Golden Knights average 3.33 goals per game this year (5th), while they allow 2.72 GPG (8th). Jack Eichel leads the team with 74 points (20 G and 54 A). Mark Stone contributes 51 points (16 G and 35 A), while Tomas Hertl has 48 points (24 G and 24 A).
Adin Hill (23-10-4) will likely take his place in the cage for the Golden Knights on Friday against the Penguins. The 28-year-old is allowing 2.50 goals per game this year with a .906 SV% and three shutouts.
Why the Knights will beat the Penguins
- The Penguins have lost nine of their last 10 road games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Golden Knights have won each of their last five games at T-Mobile Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Golden Knights have covered the puck line in 12 of their last 13 games at T-Mobile Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven games.
- The home team has won the third period in each of the Penguins’ last five games.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Golden Knights’ last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Six of the Penguins’ last seven road games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Golden Knights’ last 16 games as home favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last eight games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Vegas Golden Knights rank T2nd in the league in power play percentage this season (28.57%).
- The Vegas Golden Knights rank 5th in the league for goals per game this season (3.33).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 31st in the league for goals against per game this season (3.63).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 31st in the league for Period 3 goals allowed per game this season (1.30).
Golden Knights vs PenguinsPrediction
The Penguins won six of the last ten H2H encounters, including five of the previous seven, but the Golden Knights are in way better form at the moment, and I think the hosts will secure an easy win. Vegas is on a four-game winning streak at home, while Pittsburgh lost the last three road games. The Vegas Golden Knights have covered the Puck Line in 53 of their last 88 games, and I am going with the hosts to win and cover this one as well.