The Boston Bruins (23-7-6), first in the NHL standings for the Atlantic Division, host the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-14-4), seventh in the Metropolitan, in one of 13 NHL matchups on the NHL schedule today. It’s the first meeting between the two teams this season, with Boston winning the last meeting 4-3 on April 1, 2023.
Penguins vs Bruins Picks
![Pittsburgh Penguins Logo](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20width='0'%20height='0'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
- Pick: Penguins +125
Tristan Jarry (2.58 GAA, .912 save percentage) is the expected starting goaltender for the Penguins, while Linus Ullmark (2.72 GAA, .916 save percentage) is projected to start in goal for the Bruins. Let’s take a closer look at the Penguins vs. Bruins betting analysis.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins Odds
PIT Penguins vs BOS Bruins Information
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins
Location of the game: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
Date & Time: Thursday, January 4 at 7 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+ and Sportsnet (Canada)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins Recent Scores
The Pittsburgh Penguins standings haven’t improved much despite the team going 7-1-2 in its last 10 games as they’re still two points out of a wildcard spot and seventh in the Metropolitan. They’re coming off of a 4-3 loss to the Washington Capitals, but were 5-0-1 in their previous six games.
The Bruins, among the NHL picks today to win the Stanley Cup, are 5-2-3 in their last 10 games, but are currently on a four-game winning streak, including a recent 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Ullmark made 26 saves in the win and James van Reimsdyk led the way offensively with three points (1 goal, 2 assists).
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins Betting Analysis
Penguins Surging with Improved Goaltending
The Pittsburgh Penguins has normally been an offensive dynamo but comes into the Penguins vs. Bruins betting analysis with its strong play owed to its goaltending. The Penguins are sixth in NHL stats for goals allowed (2.67) and have allowed just 16 goals in seven games since an embarrassing 7-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 16. They are T20th in goals (3.0) and sixth in shots (33.0). Their power play has been disappointing, ranking 26th at 13.9 percent.
Jake Guentzel leads the Penguins in NHL player stats with 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists), while Sidney Crosby is second in scoring and leads the team in goals. He has 38 points (21 goals, 17 assists) in 36 games. Pittsburgh has a balanced offense with five other players with at least 20 points.
The Penguins are 8-7-3 on the road this season.
Bruins Getting Back to Form
The Boston Bruins has been one of the most consistent teams all season, although they went through a down period around the holiday break, going 1-2-2 in five games from December 13 to 23. They’ve since won four consecutive games, outscoring their opposition 18-7. The Bruins are 11-2-3 in NHL picks at home, rank 15th in goals (3.22) and fourth in goals allowed (2.56). They’re top-five in both penalty kill and power play percentage.
David Pastrnak, among the Boston Bruins best bets to score in any given game, leads the team with 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 36 games. Brad Marchand is second with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists). Van Reimsdyk, fourth in scoring, has nine points in his last nine games.
Updates
John Ludvig and Matt Nieto are on the NHL injury report for the Penguins and Derek Forbort is out with an undisclosed injury for the Bruins. Milan Lucic is also still away from the team.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins Betting Preview
Boston is the betting favorite in the Penguins vs. Bruins betting analysis with -145 moneyline odds and -1.5 (+165) puck line odds. The Penguins are underdogs with NHL odds of +125 for the moneyline and +1.5 (-200) for the puck line. The over/under is 5.5, with the over and under paying out -130 and +110, respectively.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins Betting Prediction
Boston has won three in a row against the Penguins, but Pittsburgh has been an improved team and is a good value pick for an upset. The under is another solid bet as there has been fewer than 5.5 goals scored in five of the last eight games between these two teams and they’re both among the top-six in goals allowed per game.
- Pick: Penguins +125
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks. Make sure to visit the best offshore betting sites to maximize your betting experience.