Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Pittsburgh is looking to snap a recent losing skid, while the Knights will look to pad their lead in the Pacific Divison race.
Head-to-Head: First meeting this season
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+, Sportsnet+
This will be the first meeting between the Penguins and the Knights this season. The two teams exchanged one victory apiece in their two meetings in the 2023-24 season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 24-30-10 following their loss to the Colorado Avalanche. With this record, the team ranks sixth-last in the league, just two points ahead of the Seattle Kraken who have two games in hand on Pittsburgh. With the trade deadline taking place today, the Penguins will not know their complete roster for a few more hours before the deadline time.
Pittsburgh has many trade assets that could be moved out. Forward Rickard Rakell and defenceman Erik Karlsson are big-name assets that have appeared in rumours as of late. Rakell has scored 29 goals and 53 points across 63 games this season. In addition to them, Anthony Beauvillier, Noel Acciari and Matt Grzelcyk have been featured names in trade talks as they have expiring contracts and could make good additions to teams looking to contend for the Stanley Cup. With the deadline threatening to shake up the roster, expect a Penguins team on their heels against Vegas.
The Golden Knights Story
The Vegas Golden Knights sit first in the Pacific Divison, and fourth in the NHL with a 37-18-6 record. They are also on a three-game winning streak, including a dominating 5-2 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs in their last game. Gearing up for the playoffs, Vegas is looking to sort out potential kinks in their roster and lock in lines and defensive pairings.
Superstar centre Jack Eichel leads the team in scoring with 20 goals and 74 points across 60 games. With this incredible run, Eichel is well on his way to surpassing his career high 78 points in the 2019-20 season with the Buffalo Sabres. Alongside Eichel, superstar winger Mark Stone has had a fantastic offensive season, scoring 51 points in 47 games while being one of the leagues premier two-way forwards. The Knights are also in on many trade rumours, and even had interest superstar forward Mikko Rantanen before he was traded. With the playoffs looming, Vegas’ premier players will look to get in playoff form.
The Pittsburgh Penguins look defeated. With a 2-6-2 record, expect the Golden Knights to win with ease, padding their lead on the Pacific Division in the process.
NHL Prediction: Golden Knights win 5-3.
Total Goals Over 7 (+172): The Penguins are already one of the worst defensive teams in the league. As such, the Knights have a great opportunity to put up a high-scoring game while building confidence following the deadline.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie- Imagn Images
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