The Pittsburgh Penguins (16-9-4) and Detroit Red Wings (7-20-3) do battle Saturday evening at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Hockeytown. We analyze the Penguins-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.
Penguins at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies
Matt Murray vs. Jimmy Howard
Murray is expected to get the start Saturday after Tristan Jarry posted a shutout Friday night, his second straight. There is a goaltender controversy in the Steel City, and Murray needs a big performance to keep Jarry from continuing to carve into his role. Murray is 9-5-4 with a 2.84 goals-against average and .897 save percentage with one shutout.
Howard has been terrible, going 2-11-1 with a 3.94 GAA and .887 save percentage, as he comes in on an 0-6-1 skid while allowing three or more goals in six of the past seven outings.
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Penguins at Red Wings: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:05 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Penguins 5, Red Wings 2
Moneyline (ML)
The Penguins (-209) are expensive, and even with Murray in there instead of the red-hot Jarry, they should have enough against the Red Wings (+170). Still, you can’t give twice as much as your return. That’s just not good business.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The PENGUINS (-1.5, +125) are an attractive play against the sieve known as Howard. In the past three wins by the Pens, they have also covered the puck line, so feel confident laying the goal and a half.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 5.5 (-150) will cost you quite a bit of juice, but you’re not going to have to worry about it. Howard has been terrible, and the Penguins will pepper him. In fact, they might be able to take care of the over themselves.
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