Looking at the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey schedule shows an alarming trend. The Penguins, who had played themselves into the playoff picture, have now slid out of that spot after losing eight of their past ten games. Anyone looking to make a Ducks vs Penguins prediction has to be aware of the fact that Pittsburgh’s offense has cratered recently.
With the Penguins’ current run of futility, Pittsburgh is only scoring 2.4 goals per game, while their opponents are scoring 3.5. Looking at the Anaheim Ducks standings will show the Ducks aren’t in much of a better spot.
Anaheim has lost three straight games and sits well below .500. The Ducks are the kind of opponent which the Penguins may be able to gain some momentum against.
When it comes to the NHL schedule, this is a good spot for Pittsburgh to start to turn the momentum back in its favor. The Ducks have been struggling to stay above water, and the Penguins need to start getting points.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Odds
Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Information
Anaheim Ducks vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Location of the game: PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh, PA.
Date: Monday, 16th January. 7:00 PM.
How to watch: NHLPP | ESPN+
Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
Anaheim Ducks
Looking at the NHL standings shows that Anaheim is in the middle of a rebuilding project. The Ducks have had a hard time stopping their opponents from scoring. During NHL games this season, Anaheim has allowed opponents to score 4.1 goals and 38.8 shots per game, which are both the worst in the league.
Anaheim goaltender John Gibson has been under fire all season. He’s put together a 7-19-3 record, including a .894 save percentage. When it comes to overall offensive production, another making a Ducks vs Penguins prediction will see things haven’t gone much better. Anaheim has the worst power play in the league, only converting 14.9 percent of the time.
As a team, the Ducks put up 2.3 goals per game and 28.8 shots per game. Trevor Zegras and Adam Henrique are tied for a team-high 13 goals for Anaheim. The Ducks have seen the total go over the number in their past four games. Other NHL teams have been ruthless against Anaheim this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Things are starting to tighten up on the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey schedule. The Penguins, who last missed the playoffs during the 2005-06 season, are starting to look like their extended stretch of making the postseason will go out with a whimper. NHL expert picks show that Pittsburgh has had a hard time keeping opponents away from their net.
The Penguins allow 33.4 shots per game, which ranks 26th. However, Pittsburgh’s penalty kill has been strong, killing off 84 percent of its opponents’ opportunities, which ranks second in the league. More concerning has been the Penguins’ lack of opportunities on offense.
Having defenseman Kris Letang on the NHL injury report hasn’t helped. In Letang’s absence, NHL player stats show Sidney Crosby has maintained his point-a-game production level, registering 48 points, including 21 goals, in 42 games played. Jake Gunetzel is second on the team in scoring by putting up 15 goals.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Pick and Prediction
Making a Ducks vs Penguins prediction centers around Pittsburgh showing a sense of urgency. While the Penguins aren’t that far out of the last Wild Card spot, Pittsburgh won’t want to lose a game against one of the worst teams in the league at home. When making NHL expert picks, keep in mind that this game will be where the Penguins will give their all.
While it’s far from a must-win game for Pittsburgh, the number of games they have left on the NHL schedule to make up ground in the playoff race is slowly dwindling. When making NHL picks on this game, keep in mind this is a spot where the teams should stay comfortably under the total.
NHL odds show Pittsburgh is a heavy favorite to win at home, and the Penguins should be able to use their superior offense to grab a victory.
Final Score Prediction: Penguins 4, Ducks 2
Pick: Under 6.5
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