The Ottawa Senators will head to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins in this Eastern Conference matchup. The puck drop for this game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at the PPG Paints Arena.
The Senators broke a two-game losing streak when they defeated the Penguins on Wednesday. Pittsburgh has lost three of their last four and can not be happy ending the first half of the season like this.
Before making our NHL picks, let’s look at each of these NHL teams and which of their NHL player stats will aid us in our Senators vs Penguins prediction and picks.
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Information
Ottawa Senators vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Location of the game: PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh, PA.
Date: Friday, January 20. 7:00 PM ET.
How to watch: NHL Network
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Odds
Last Game Record
The NHL schedule is very odd at times, and this is another prime example. These two teams just played each other on Wednesday night and had a travel day in between.
In the game, the two teams basically mirrored each other until overtime. Both teams scored two goals in the first period, a single goal in the second period, and a single goal in the third period.
In overtime, it took Brady Tkachuk just 25 seconds to find a way to win the game. One of the best offensive skaters on the ice for Ottawa, Tkachuk was able to bury a goal stick side and skate away victorious.
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Analysis
Ottawa Senators
Their most recent win against the Penguins may have been their biggest win. The Senators are a team struggling in the NHL standings, sitting in the bottom two spots of the Atlantic Division for most of the season.
The Senators’ offense has been a rollercoaster all season. In their previous two games before Wednesday, Ottawa combined to score a single goal. Then Wednesday, the Senators etched out five.
The defense and goaltending seem to be displaying more consistency. Although, the Senators have given up three or more goals in four of their last five games.
With his most recent game-winner, Brady Tkachuk still sits atop the Ottawa Senators player stats. Not only did he score the game-winning goal, but he also included three assists to give him a team-leading 46 total points.
Pittsburgh Penguins
It has not been an easy stretch, as the first half of the season is coming to a close. While the Pittsburgh Penguins standings are not great, they are just barely hanging onto a playoff spot.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have flown under the radar this season as they are not leading a ton of statistics across the league like normal. Besides their perennial All-Star Sidney Crosby, everyone else is just playing solid, consistent hockey.
The Penguins have a major issue on their NHL injury report: their number on goaltender Tristan Jarry, which will factor into our Senators vs Penguins prediction. The goaltender is having a solid season at 15-5-4. However, a lower-body injury will keep him out for a bit longer.
While this is just a normal game, this seems like one of those NHL games that the Pittsburgh Penguins have to win. Losing to a team like the Senators just two days ago put an extremely big chip on their shoulder coming into tonight.
Odds Breakdown
Ottawa Senators
Moneyline: +130
Spread: +1.5 -180
Over/Under: 6.5
Pittsburgh Penguins
Moneyline: -150
Spread: -1.5 +160
Over/Under: 6.5
Senators vs. Penguins Betting Pick and Prediction
As we get ready to make our final Senators vs Penguins prediction, let’s make sure we can make two solid picks out of the information we have gathered here.
Pick 1: Pittsburgh Penguins moneyline (-150) – The Penguins have been tough at home this season, coming in with a 12-5-4 home record. The Senators have also struggled more on the road, putting together a record of 8-11-2.
While the Senators may have a little extra confidence, the Penguins will be playing to prove a point. The Penguins offense has to dominate, especially with Jarry out.
Pick 2: Over 6.5 goals – The offenses are the best for both teams. What this does is usually provides goals at a very high rate. While the Penguins should still walk away with the victory, do not expect the Senators to roll over.
Final Senators vs Penguins prediction: 5-3 Penguins
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