Vancouver Canucks (27-11-3) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (20-15-4)
January 11, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Pittsburgh Penguins -116 / Vancouver Canucks -106; Over/Under: 6.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins face off on Thursday in an NHL showdown at PPG Paints Arena. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Canucks vs Penguins prediction.
Canucks Coming off Big Win over Islanders
The Canucks faced off against the New York Islanders in the last game and they scored five goals on the way to the three goal victory. Casey DeSmith started in goal and he saved 18 of the 20 shots that he faced. The Canucks overall this season is averaging 3.9 goals while their defense is giving up 2.6 goals per game. The offense overall this season is ranked 1st in the league while their defnese is ranked 8th in the league. J.T. Miller scored 19 goals and added 36 assists per game.
Can the Penguins Offense Score?
The Penguins faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the last game and they were able to secure the 4-1 victory. Evgeni Malkin had a strong game scoring a goal and adding an assist. Two games ago against the Buffalo Sabres, the offense only scored one goal and they ended up losing by two goals. The Penguins are averaging 3.05 goals while their defense is giving up 2.69 goals per game. The offense is ranked 19th in the league while the defense is ranked 5th. Jake Guentzel has scored eight goals and added 16 assists so far this season.
Canucks vs Penguins Betting Prediction
I am still not sold on Penguins offfense and they aren’t going to have the offense to keep this game close. The Canucks defense is giving up only 2.6 goals per game and they are going to really lockdown the Penguins here. The lack of scoring by Pittsburgh is going to be the difference as the Canucks are going to get the job done here. Back the Canucks on the money line to cash here.
