In this article we will formulate a Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, December 7th at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 11-13-4 this year after they lost to the Rangers by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 1-0 in the second and tied the game two in the third, but allowed the last two goals in the game for the loss. The Penguins were outshot by a total of 32-22, won 35.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Lizotte and Tomasino, while Nedeljkovic stopped 28 out of 32 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Penguins won four games in a row against Calgary, Florida, Boston, and Vancouver. Pittsburgh has scored 2.81 goals per game and they have allowed 3.78 goals against per game, while also going 22.7% on the power play and 79.5% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with eight goals, 18 assists, and 84 shots on goal, while Tristan Jarry is 4-3-1 with a 3.88 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage this year.
Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 16-8-2 this season after they lost to Washington by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Toronto tied the game at one in the second period, but couldn’t find any more offense in the loss. The Maple Leafs were outshot by a total of 26-21, won 45.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Toronto got their lone goal from Tavares, while Stolarz stopped 23 out of 25 shots.
Prior to that loss, the Maple Leafs won three in a row against Nashville, Chicago, and Tampa Bay. Toronto has scored 3.08 goals per game and they have allowed 2.52 goals against per game, while also going 20% on the power play and 82.8% on the penalty kill this season. Mitch Marner has led Toronto with nine goals, 27 assists, and 64 shots on goal, while Joseph Woll is 7-2-0 with a 2.11 goals against average and a .922 save percentage this year.
Why the Maple Leafs will beat the Penguins
- The Maple Leafs have won five of their last six games against the Penguins.
- The Maple Leafs have covered the puck line in each of their last five games following a loss.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four night games at PPG Paints Arena following a road loss.
- The Penguins have lost the second period in each of their last five games as underdogs following a road loss.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Maple Leafs’ last nine games as favorites against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Penguins’ last eight games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Maple Leafs’ last 15 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2’ market has hit in each of the last 11 games between the Maple Leafs and Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Rickard Rakell has scored a goal in each of his last four appearances against the Maple Leafs.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one assist in each of the Penguins’ last seven games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one point in each of the Penguins’ last 10 home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
Toronto Maple Leafs Player Prop Facts
- Mitch Marner has recorded at least one point in each of the Maple Leafs’ last seven road games against opponents who are playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- Matthew Knies has scored a goal in each of the Maple Leafs’ last four games against the Penguins.
- Morgan Rielly has recorded at least one assist in each of his last seven appearances against the Penguins after playing less than 20 minutes in the Maple Leafs’ last game.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction
Both of these teams are coming off of losses on Friday night, so they will be on a back-to-back here. Toronto is 4-4-2 on the road this year, while Pittsburgh is 7-6-2 at home. The Penguins have won four of their last five games, but they are scoring fewer than three goals per game this season. Toronto has won three of their last four and they have been one of the best teams in the East. Both teams are playing well right now, but Toronto is the better defensive team and I think that will be the difference on a back-to-back. Take the Leafs to win.