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Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (15-9-1) begin a two-game set on the road against the Buffalo Sabres (6-14-4) Thursday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at KeyBank Center. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Sabres odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Penguins at Sabres: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Sabres +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+135) | Sabres +1.5 (-160)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Penguins at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (10-7-1, 3.05 GAA, .900 SV%) vs. Carter Hutton (1-7-1, 3.40 GAA, .883 SV%)

Jarry is looking to match a season-high three-game win streak. He allowed two goals on 35 shots Tuesday against the New York Rangers and stopped 19 of 22 shots against the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday. Jarry hasn’t faced the Sabres yet this season.

Hutton has been doing the heavy lifting with Linus Ullmark battling a lower-body injury. He hasn’t been handling the extra workload well, having coughed up 3 or more goals in each of his past four starts, including 5 goals on 29 shots in a 5-2 road loss against the New York Islanders Saturday.

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Penguins at Sabres: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 4, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The Penguins (-200) will cost you two times your potential return. While the Sabres are playing awful hockey right now, with no improvement in sight, risking two times your return is not a good long-term betting strategy.

AVOID, and look to the puck line instead.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS -1.5 (+135) are a much better value at plus-money, even on the road. The Sabres haven’t won since Feb. 23, going 0-6-2 across their past eight outings.

With superstar C Jack Eichel (upper body) on the shelf with Ullmark, Buffalo is having a hard time treading water and avoiding loss after loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

I expect a TOTAL of 6, which would be right on the number. Look to the alternate line and take OVER 5.5 (-145) instead.

Buffalo is skidding hard and has allowed 19 total goals in regulation over its past four outings.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Rangers (10-10-3) wrap up a two-game set at the Pittsburgh Penguins (14-9-1) Tuesday for a 6 p.m. ET puck drop at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Penguins -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-200) | Penguins -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Rangers at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (4-3-2, 3.03 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (9-7-1, 3.12 GAA, .897 SV%)

Georgiev was pulled last time out after just 17:14 Sunday in Pittsburgh, allowing three goals on six shots. G Keith Kinkaid finished up, as G Igor Shesterkin is on the shelf due to a groin strain. Georgiev had been humming along prior to Sunday’s debacle, allowing three or fewer goals in each of his past four starts, going 3-0-1 in those four outings.

Jarry had a brutal start to the season, but he has started to slowly piece things together. He might not be back at his All-Star form from 2020, but he might be if he played the Rangers more often. He is 2-0-0 with a 2.40 GAA and .917 SV% in his two appearances against the Blueshirts this season.

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Rangers at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 4, Rangers 3

Money line (ML)

The PENGUINS (-155) roughed up the Rangers by a 5-1 count Sunday, improving to 4-1 across the past five head-to-head meetings this season, including 3-0 at home. Jarry won both ends of a back-to-back in the Steel City Jan. 22 and 24, winning in a 4-3 shootout in the opener and by a 3-2 count in the second showing.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Rangers +1.5 (-200) have lost four of the five previous meetings with the Penguins -1.5 (+170), but three of those setbacks were by just one goal. Still, New York is a little too expensive, as you need to risk two times your potential return if you want to play them on the puck line. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6 (-105) is 3-0-1 in the past four games for the Penguins, with the push in Sunday’s contest. The Over is also 5-1-1 in Pittsburgh’s past seven games overall. For New York, the Over is 2-0-1 in the past three and 4-2-1 in the previous seven. The Over is also 2-0-1 in Georgiev’s past three starts.

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New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Rangers (10-9-3) will pay a visit to the Pittsburgh Penguins (13-9-1) Sunday at PPG Paints Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Penguins and Rangers are fifth and sixth, respectively, in the East Division. Pittsburgh is 3-1-0 against New York this season, but two of those victories went beyond 60 minutes.

The Penguins topped the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 on home ice Saturday. The Rangers doubled up the New Jersey Devils in a 6-3 road win. New York enters on a three-game winning streak.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:27 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rangers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Penguins -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-190) | Penguins -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Rangers at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev (4-2-2, .906 SV%, 2.79 GAA) vs. Casey DeSmith (4-2-0, .893 SV%, 2.73 GAA)

Igor Shesterkin (groin) remains sidelined by injury so Georgiev will need to start for the second straight day on the road. He stopped 24 of 27 shots on goal in Saturday’s win for his third victory in his last four starts. The Bulgarian allowed 5 goals on 38 shots in an overtime loss to the Penguins Jan. 30.

DeSmith has stepped back into the clear No. 2 role with starter Tristan Jarry rounding into form. He stopped 28 of 30 shots but took the loss against the New York Islanders last Sunday.

Rangers at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Penguins 5, Rangers 2

Money line (ML)

Both teams being on a back-to-back favors the deeper and more talented PENGUINS (-150), who should be backed for the outright win.

The Rangers remain without LW Artemi Panarin (personal) and D Jacob Trouba, and will have the tired goaltender with Georgiev making rare back-to-back starts.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Bet PENGUINS -1.5 (+155) on the puck line for a much better profit if Pittsburgh wins by 2 or more goals. The Pens hold the lead in the season series, and while all three of their victories were decided by single-goal margins, they’re in a more favorable situation Sunday.

The Rangers are also second-last in the NHL with a 5-on-5 Corsi For percentage of just 46.63%. The Penguins are ninth at 50.67% of the total shot attempts at full strength.

Over/Under (O/U)

Bet against both starting goaltenders and back the OVER 6 (-115). Defensive play slips first on tired legs.

The season series is 2-2 against the O/U with combined goal totals of 7, 5, 9 and 4.

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Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (11-8-1) are hosting the Philadelphia Flyers (11-4-3) for a three-game set at PPG Paints Arena beginning Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Flyers-Penguins odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Pittsburgh has gone 1-2-0 following a three-game winning streak. It played its last four games on the road and returns to home ice for the first time since Feb. 20.

Philadelphia has strung up three straight wins, including back-to-back 3-0 victories over the lowly Buffalo Sabres. Gs Carter Hart and Brian Elliott each recorded a shutout in that two-game set.

Flyers at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:32 a.m. ET.

Money line: Flyers -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Flyers +1.5 (-275) | Penguins -1.5 (+230)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Flyers at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Carter Hart (6-3-3, .899 SV%, 3.35 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (7-6-1, .894 SV%, 3.14 GAA)

Sunday’s performance against the Sabres was Hart’s best of the season and followed a loss against the Boston Bruins in which he allowed 6 goals on 23 shots and was pulled after two periods. He’s 2-1-2 in his last five games. He’s 2-0-0 in two starts against the Pens this season with 62 saves on 67 shots.

Jarry is 4-1-0 over his last five games and has returned to his breakout 2019-20 form. His most recent start was a win over the New York Islanders in which he allowed 3 goals on 27 shots. His season began with back-to-back road losses against these Flyers with a total of 9 goals allowed.

Flyers at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Flyers 4, Penguins 2

Money line (ML)

The FLYERS (-105) come in with the winning streak, have at least a small edge in the goaltending battle and are 2-0 against the rival Pens this season with an 11-5 lead in total goals.

Rest is equal with both teams last playing Sunday; Pittsburgh was shut out 2-0 by the Islanders and Philly blanked the Sabres 3-0.

The Flyers remain at the bottom of the league in 5-on-5 Corsi For percentage (46.61) and scoring chances for (47.87) but they have the talent up front to be opportunistic on offense. Back Philly for a modest road upset.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Go to the alternate line of FLYERS -1.5 (+240) for top value in this game. The Flyers are 11-7 against the spread for the season and beat the Penguins by a 3-goal margin in each of their first two head-to-head meetings.

Additionally, the Penguins are 0-4 in their last four outings when playing their third game in four days and the Flyers are 4-0-1 in that same situation.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 6.5 (-120) with both goaltenders slowly recovering from atrocious starts to the season. The Penguins played to the Under in five of their last seven games and the Flyers are coming off the back-to-back shutout victories.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (9-6-1) open a two-game set on the road against the Washington Capitals (9-5-3) Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Capital One Arena. Below we analyze the Penguins-Capitals NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Penguins at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:08 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Capitals -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins +1.5 (-275) | Capitals -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Penguins at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (5-5-1, 3.30 GAA, .892 SV%) at Vitek Vanecek (7-4-2, 2.92 GAA, .907 SV%)

Jarry enters on a two-start winning streak, helping the Caps sweep the visiting New York Islanders, concluding with Saturday’s 3-2 win. Prior to that two-game set, he split a pair of starts against the Capitals, going 1-1-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .918 SV%. While he has been rounding back into last season’s All-Star form at home, going 5-1-0 with a 2.31 GAA and .930 SV%, he is 0-4-1 with a 4.71 GAA and .826 SV% in five road outings.

Vanecek is likely to start Tuesday after veteran G Craig Anderson was in the crease Sunday. G Ilya Samsonov is still working his way back into playing shape after being sidelined since Jan. 17 due to COVID protocol. Vanecek is 1-1-1 with a 3.32 GAA and .892 SV% in three starts against the Pens this season.

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Penguins at Capitals: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 5, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

The CAPITALS (-115) are slight favorites at home against the rival Penguins. Washington enters 4-1 across the past five outings as a favorite, while winning nine of its past 13 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation, or three in four days. The Penguins, on the other hand, are 0-6 in their past six as underdogs, and 3-7 in the past 10 against teams with a winning record.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS -1.5 (+220) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line. While Washington’s last win as just by one goal over the New Jersey Devils Sunday, the Caps have won three of their past five by at least two goals. That includes a 3-1 win by the Caps in Pittsburgh Feb. 16 behind Vanecek. Three of the past four losses by the Pens are also by two or more goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-105) is the way to go, hitting in three straight for the Penguins. That includes the most recent meeting between these teams Feb. 16, a 3-1 win by Washington. While the Over is the dominant trend for the Caps lately, the Under is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings in D.C.

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New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Islanders (8-4-3) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (7-6-1) Thursday for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. Below we analyze the Islanders-Penguins NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Islanders at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Islanders +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Penguins -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Islanders +1.5 (-275) | Penguins -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Islanders at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov (7-2-2, 1.89 GAA, .931 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (3-5-1, 3.74 GAA, .875 SV%)

Varlamov is expected to be in the crease for the third time this season against the Pens. He allowed three goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 Feb. 6 victory against them and three goals on 35 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss against the Pens Feb. 11, also at Nassau Coliseum.

Jarry will get a chance to redeem himself for a 4-3 loss Feb. 6, on the road against the Islanders. He allowed four goals on 26 shots in that outing. He has allowed three or more goals in each of his past five starts, and he has struggled to come anywhere near his All-Star form of a season ago.

Islanders at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 5, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+105) are the play in this one, as Varlamov has been red-hot this season. The Penguins (-125) just haven’t been getting very consistent goaltending from Jarry this season, and that’s the difference here. Look to Varly and the Isles to get it done on the road. The Isles have won seven of the past nine meetings in this series, including four of the past five in Pittsburgh.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Islanders +1.5 (-275) are just too expensive on the puck line, so take them straight up instead. The road team has won five of the past seven in this series, so there is no need for insurance. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-115) is the best play on the board here, as Jarry will cough up plenty of goals. In fact, the Islanders have a chance to come very close to hitting the Over all on their own. The biggest worry with taking the Over is Varlamov, and how hot he has been this season. But the Over is 5-0 in the past five meetings between these two teams, so keep hitting the Over until the Under starts to come through on a regular basis.

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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (7-5-1) look to sweep a two-game set against the Washington Capitals (6-4-3) at PPG Paints Arena Tuesday. Pittsburgh won Sunday’s contest by a 6-3 count. Tuesday’s puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Penguins NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Two of Pittsburgh’s six goals Sunday were of the empty-net variety inside the final 63 seconds. Capitals C Evgeny Kuznetsov opened the scoring 5:18 into the first period in his return to the lineup from the NHL’s COVID-19 list but the Penguins scored four of the next five goals.

The Penguins moved to 3-0 against the Caps for the season but Sunday’s game was the first to be decided in regulation. The East Division rivals will reunite next week for another two-game set in Washington.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Penguins -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-250) | Penguins -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Vitek Vanecek (5-3-2, .901 SV%, 3.26 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (3-4-1, .864 SV%, 3.82 GAA)

Vanecek’s expected to remain in net with Ilya Samsonov not yet ready to return to action after being cleared from the COVID protocols. He allowed 4 goals on 36 shots in Sunday’s loss to the Pens and has given up a total of 9 goals on 66 shots in two games against Pittsburgh.

Jarry’s coming off one of his top performances of the season with 28 saves on 31 shots in Sunday’s win. It snapped a personal three-game losing skid. Backup Casey DeSmith missed Sunday’s game and remains questionable for Tuesday due to a non-COVID illness.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 4, Penguins 2

Money line (ML)

The CAPITALS (+110) registered 54.76% of the 5-on-5 scoring chances Sunday and should be backed for some correction Tuesday. Jarry’s coming off just his third win of the season and hasn’t won back-to-back since starting both games against the Caps in January.

Kuznetsov scored the opening goal Sunday and logged 18:24 of ice time. Look for his usage to increase in his second game back in the lineup.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the puck line with Sunday’s result of two empty-net goals for the Penguins serving as fair warning of the risks with laying -250 for one goal of insurance in the event of a Capitals loss.

Washington has the league’s top power play at 35.48% and Pittsburgh is 28th by penalty-kill percentage at 70.73. This series should swing toward the Caps with an outright win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Lean to the UNDER 6.5 (+100) as the more profitable side of the projected goal total. Vanecek needs a strong performance to keep a hold on playing time once Samsonov returns to the lineup.

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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (6-3-3) open a two-game set against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins (6-5-1) Sunday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop will be at 3 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Capitals-Penguins NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Capitals have been off since last Sunday after having one game against the Philadelphia Flyers and two against the Buffalo Sabres postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The Caps dropped three in a row before their forced hiatus.

Pittsburgh is coming off a 4-3 shootout win over the New York Islanders Thursday after dropping Game 1 of that set by the same score but in regulation. The Pens won both ends of a two-gamer with the Caps last month, winning 4-3 in a shootout and 5-4 in overtime.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:02 a.m. ET.

Money line: Capitals +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Penguins -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Capitals +1.5 (-250) | Penguins -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Vitek Vanecek (5-2-2, .903 SV%, 3.18 GAA) vs. Tristan Jarry (2-4-1, .857 SV%, 3.95 GAA)

Vanecek has received some much-needed rest after taking over for Ilya Samsonov, who had been on the NHL’s COVID-19 list. The rookie is expected to get another one or two starts before handing No. 1 duties back to Samsonov. He started three straight losses for the Caps and gave up 4 goals on just 14 shots against the Flyers last Sunday.

Jarry is trending in the wrong direction again after picking up a pair of wins over the New York Rangers. He allowed a total of 11 goals in his last three starts. He didn’t face the Capitals earlier this season.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Capitals 5, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

Take the value with a well-rested and hungry CAPITALS (+110) team. The extended time off has allowed RW T.J. Oshie and C Evgeny Kuznetsov to rejoin the lineup with Samsonov’s return to the crease expected to be just a few days away.

Defense and goaltending remain issues for the Penguins, and they’re struggling to get consistent offensive contributions behind the top line of C Sidney Crosby, LW Jake Guentzel and RW Bryan Rust.

Kuznetsov’s return to the lineup is the biggest boon for the Caps and makes this roster much different than the one that dropped three-straight games.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the puck line with the Capitals’ money line being a safer and more profitable endeavor. We’ll need to see a few games from Washington’s healthy lineup before looking for multi-goal wins and we just can’t trust Pittsburgh’s goaltending to keep a 2-goal lead late in games.

The Capitals are just 25th in the NHL in 5-on-5 Corsi For percentage, while the Penguins are fifth, but Washington’s rate is dragged down by the recent three-game losing skid.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 6.5 (-105) with Washington likely to look a little sloppy in the early going after an extended break and Jarry stuck in the middle of another poor stretch. Both teams are bottom five in goals allowed per game.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (5-5-1) visit the New York Islanders (5-4-2) Thursday for a 7 p.m. puck drop. Below we analyze the Penguins-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:54 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Islanders -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+230) | Islanders +1.5 (-300)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (2-4-1, 3.95 GAA, .857 SV%) at Semyon Varlamov (5-2-1, 1.88 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO)

Jarry has allowed four goals in each of his past two starts, including the most recent meeting Saturday at this very same venue in a 4-3 loss. He made 22 saves on 26 shots, but he allowed a power-play goal to Islanders C Anders Lee with just 2:44 to go in regulation for the difference maker.

Varlamov started the season on fire with a pair of shutouts, but he went 0-2-1 with 11 goals allowed in three starts from Jan. 26-30. He has since bounced back, going 2-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .951 SV% in two February starts. Varlamov was on the winning end of Lee’s late heroics in Saturday’s game, making 28 saves against 31 shots.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 4, Penguins 2

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-105) are a good bet in this home meeting against the Penguins as Varlamov has been a real difference maker. On the flip side, Jarry has struggled for the Pens. Head coach Mike Sullivan is giving Jarry a little bit of a longer leash, hoping the goaltender can work through his struggles and return to his All-Star form.

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Against the spread (ATS)

New York’s price of +1.5 (-300) is to chalky. However, the alternate line of ISLANDERS -1.5 (+260) is worth a small-unit play. The Isles are coming off a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers last time out, and three of their five wins also have covered the puck line. They’re a good play here as you can more than double your initial wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-105) is a risky play based on Varlamov but also a good play based on Jarry’s recent performances. As long as the Penguins can strike for at least two goals against the red-hot Varly, you should be OK for a successful Over ticket. Just go lightly.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (5-4-1) travel to meet the New York Islanders (3-4-2) at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Islanders -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+240) | Islanders +1.5 (-300)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (2-3-1, .859 SV%, 3.92 GAA) vs. Semyon Varlamov (3-2-1, .924 SV%, 2.00 GAA, 2 SO)

Jarry hasn’t appeared since Jan. 28. Casey DeSmith started the most recent game for the Penguins, and then they were off for a couple of days due to a COVID-19 issue with the New Jersey Devils. Jarry hasn’t faced the Islanders since the 2017-18 season. He is 3-0-0 with a 1.62 GAA, .940 SV% and a shutout in three career starts against the Isles.

It’s been a tale of two seasons for Varlamov already. He went 3-0-0 with a 0.33 GAA and two shutouts in his first three starts, and he is 0-2-1 with an .855 SV% in his previous three outings. Last season against the Penguins he was 1-0-1 with a 3.84 GAA and .886 SV% in two outings.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 4, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-105) are a good play at home against a Penguins side that is well-rested. New York is rested, too. The Isles haven’t played since Jan. 31 in Philadelphia, as the Buffalo Sabres were unable to travel for a two-game Tuesday-Thursday set due to COVID concerns.

The Isles went 0-3-2 on a brutal road trip, but return to home ice where they’re a perfect 2-for-2. Look for the home cooking to get the Isles going again.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Islanders +1.5 (-300) are far too expensive for the goal of insurance in the event of a loss on the spread. Three of their past four games were one-goal contests and they were on the short end of each.

In their three victories, two have also covered the puck line, although they haven’t hit a winner since Jan. 21 against New Jersey. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-120) is the trend for both teams lately, and the rust of having not played in a little while will also help keep the scoring low.

The Under is 4-1 in Pittsburgh’s past five overall, and the Under is 3-0-1 in New York’s past four at home. The Under is also 9-2-1 in the past 12 overall for the Isles.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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