A busy Monday night in the NHL features a matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Florida Panthers. Welcome to NHL predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we examine upcoming games, providing predictions and analyzing head-to-head matchups. In today’s prediction article, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins host Sam Reinhart and the Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions for all the games right here on Last Word on Hockey!
NHL Predictions
Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Panthers 0-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST); 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST)
TV: NHL Network; Sportsnet+
Post-Thanksgiving, the Penguins and the Cup champs are in vastly different positions. The Penguins are 10-12-4, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, they’ve won three straight coming into this game. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 15-9-1. Sitting atop the Atlantic Division, they’ve also won three straight heading into this one.
The Penguins’ Story
Pittsburgh has had a roller-coaster of a season. Captain Sidney Crosby leads the way with 25 points in 26 games. Behind him, Evgeni Malkin has 22 points in 26 games. Erik Karlsson has been playing well recently as well, contributing five points in his last five games. Additionally, new trade acquisition Phillip Tomasino has hit the ground running in Pittsburgh. The former first-round pick has two goals in his last two games with the club. With other forwards like Rickard Rakell and Anthony Beauvillier also playing well, the forward’s group will be key in this matchup.
In net, Tristan Jarry is likely to get the start. With a 3-3-1 record, Jarry has certainly struggled this season. However, he’s won his last two starts, pitching a .968 save percentage against the Boston Bruins in his last game. The netminder will have to continue his upwards trajectory to help the Penguins extend their win streak.
The Panthers’ Story
The Cup champions have enjoyed a strong start to their season. A key to their success has been the excellence of forward Sam Reinhart. The sniper has scored 18 goals in 25 games, with a total of 34 points. Behind him, franchise centre Alex Barkov has 24 points in 17 games while playing against the toughest competition. Depth scoring has been significant for the Panthers, with six forwards producing 19 or more points through the first 25 games of the season.
The goaltending tandem of Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight has been great for the Panthers. Although Bobrovsky has a .890 save percentage, he holds an 11-5-1 record. Meanwhile, Knight is 4-4 with a .911 save percentage. Either Panthers goalie will be a good choice in this matchup.
Prediction
Although both teams are on a winning streak, the Penguins seem to be on a run to try to save their season. Expect a strong effort and the win.
Prediction: Penguins win 3-2 in OT.
Prop Bets of the Night
FanDuel’s “Will There be Overtime” at a +370 for yes is a good bet for two teams trying to defend their win streaks.
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 3rd Pittsburgh Penguins vs Florida Panthers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.