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Penguins Story

Pittsburgh comes into this game off a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers in the shootout. With the loss, the Penguins are 7-1-2 in their last 10 and boast a record of 30-15-12 on the season. Sitting second in the Metropolitan division, this loss came due to playing down to their opponents, especially throughout the second and third periods. The Penguins also struggled at the face-off dot without captain Sidney Crosby, losing 40/52 draws. Although the first period saw a solid team game, Pittsburghs play faltered as the game went on. 

Even in the loss, there were some bright spots to be found. Anthony Mantha recorded his 21st goal of the season. Mantha has far exceeded expectations on his one-year deal in Pittsburgh. He’s scored 21 goals and 44 points through 58 games this season. Ryan Shea continued a fantastic season as well, scoring his third goal. He has three goals and 24 points in 58 games while being a rock-solid defensive presence. Erik Karlsson is someone else to watch for in this game. The Swedish defenceman had an assist against the Rangers. He has four goals and 37 points in 53 games this season. 

In net, expect Arturs Silovs to get the start. Silovs is 12-7-8 this season with a .899 save percentage. This is a good time to add that it’s always a good idea to confirm starting goaltenders prior to placing any bets.

Golden Knights Story

The organization have had an interesting season. While the team hasn’t looked as dominant as it would like to, they still lead the Pacific Division in points. They are 4-4-2 in their last 10, with a total record of 28-17-14 on the season. Vegas has made massive additions over the past 12 months, including the acquisitions of forward Mitch Marner and defenceman Rasmus Andersson. They may look to make further additions near the trade deadline. 

The team is led in scoring by centre Jack Eichel. He has scored 21 goals and 68 points through 51 games. Behind him, defensive forward Mark Stone has 21 goals and 60 points in 51 games. The aforementioned Marner has done well in his first season in Vegas, with 16 goals and 59 points in 58 games. This trio for Vegas has been the lifeblood of the offence, and will need to show up against the Penguins in this contest. Shea Theodore leads the team defensively in the absence of Alex Pietrangelo. Through 47 games, Theodore has scored seven goals and 27 points. 

In net, expect Akira Schmid to get the start. Schmid is 16-7-6 this season with a .895 save percentage. 

Prediction

The Golden Knights desperately need a win while the Penguins seem to be faltering defensively and struggling a little bit offensively without Crosby. Expect Vegas to win in this one. 

Prediction: Vegas wins 5-3.

Prop Bet of the Night

Expect a higher scoring affair in which a popular prop bet of goals-over seven with odds of +210 is a good bet. 

Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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