Pittsburgh Penguins betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 6

New Jersey Devils at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils at Columbus Blue Jackets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New Jersey Devils (19-29-5) travel to meet the Columbus Blue Jackets (27-25-1) Tuesday at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Devils vs. Blue Jackets odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Devils opened the floodgates on the Vancouver Canucks Monday with a 7-2 win. It was their 12th consecutive win against them. LW Jesper Bratt has led the offensive surge with 5 goals in his last three games.

Columbus has dropped two straight after snapping a four-game win streak. They had a lead on the Pittsburgh Penguins but gave up two third-period goals to drop the tilt 3-2 Sunday. RW Patrik Laine was been one of the hottest players in hockey in February with 9 goals and 6 assists in 10 games.

Devils at Blue Jackets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:48 a.m. ET.

Money line: Devils +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Blue Jackets -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-220) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

Devils at Blue Jackets projected goalies

Jon Gillies (3-9-1, 3.70 GAA, .887 SV%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (18-14-1, 3.41 GAA, .904 SV%, 2 SO)

Gillies was shelled in his last two games allowing 6 goals in each game. He allowed 6 goals in three different games across six February starts as he went 2-4-0 with a 4.76 GAA. The sands in the hourglass may be waning on his roster spot.

Merzlikins has been taken to the woodshed the last three games allowing 13 goals. He went 4-2-0 with a 3.50 GAA and an .897 SV% across six February starts. He has clearly benefitted from Laine’s hot streak because his numbers aren’t great outside of the record.

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Devils at Blue Jackets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Blue Jackets 3

Money line

The DEVILS (+115) are ripe for the upset here.

New Jersey has scored 37 goals in their last seven games and Columbus is 14-11-1 at home this season, which doesn’t give them much of a home-ice advantage. Jersey is playing on consecutive days, but they’re young and on fire.

Against the spread

The Devils +1.5 (-220) doesn’t offer enough of a return.

If you’re willing to risk a half-unit here, the ALTERNATE SPREAD DEVILS -1.5 (+250) has a juicy payout. With the way New Jersey is scoring, this has a real shot for a nice reward. Otherwise, stick with the money line.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-120) could hit just on New Jersey’s side alone as they have posted 7 goals three times during the last seven games. The Over is 5-1 in the Devils’ last six games and 11-3 in the Devils’ last 14 games on no rest. With the way both goalies have struggled, this is the best bet on the board.

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New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New Jersey Devils (17-28-5) travel to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins (31-13-8) Thursday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Devils vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Devils have fallen back onto hard times with two straight losses. On the bright side, Jersey will get D Dougie Hamilton (jaw) back Thursday after being out since Jan. 2. They have been off since Feb. 15 so they’ll be well-rested for this one.

Pittsburgh is coming off of losses to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. The latter hurt in particular as they’re now four points back from the division-leading ‘Canes in the Metropolitan Division.

Devils at Penguins odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:51 a.m. ET.

Money line: Devils +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Penguins -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (+100) | Penguins -1.5 (-125)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

Devils at Penguins projected goalies

Mackenzie Blackwood (9-9-3, 3.29 GAA, .894 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Tristan Jarry (25-10-6, 2.29 GAA, .922 SV%, 3 SO)

Blackwood is expected to make his return after being sidelined since Jan. 19 with a heel injury. He was 1-3-0 with a 3.31 GAA and an .893 SV% against Pittsburgh last season.

Jarry was great against the Devils Feb. 13 as he stopped 28 of 30 shots in a 4-2 victory. He has given up 4 goals in two straight games, albeit against better offenses than the Devils.

Devils at Penguins odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 3, Devils 1

Money line

The Penguins (-320) are far too expensive to break bread with here. PASS and look to the spread.

Against the spread

The PENGUINS -1.5 (-125) is pretty unforgiving on the payout, but it’s the preferred side.

Three of Pittsburgh’s last four wins have been by at least 2 goals. Depending on how frisky you’re feeling the ALTERNATE SPREAD PENGUINS -2.5 (+135) will offer a decent payout if you want to test it against a goalie that hasn’t played in over a month.

Over/Under

The UNDER 6.5 (-120) is the better side here. The last game between these sides ended at 4-2, and Pittsburgh hasn’t been banging down the doors on offense. The Penguins have averaged just 2.8 goals per game over their last 10 games as they have had peaks and valleys. If you throw out the two outlier games where the Devils scored seven goals each, they averaged just 1.8 goals in eight games.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadephia Flyers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-8-5) head to Wells Fargo Center Thursday for a meeting with the division-rival Philadelphia Flyers (13-14-6). Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Flyers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Penguins enter as winners of nine-straight games, most recently a 5-3 home victory over the St. Louis Blues Wednesday. The league’s hottest team has won 14 of its last 17 games to improve to fourth in the Metropolitan Division after a shaky end of October and start of November stretch saw it slide down the standings.

The Flyers return home after a three-game California road trip that saw them go 0-3. Philadelphia has won just one of four games since play resumed following the holiday break and has scored just 9 goals across that span.

Penguins at Flyers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:37 p.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Flyers +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
Against the spread (ATS): Penguins -1.5 (+112) | Flyers +1.5 (-140)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)

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Penguins at Flyers projected goalies

Tristan Jarry (16-5-4, 1.89 GAA, .934 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Carter Hart (7-9-4, 2.76 GAA, .917 SV%, 1 SO)

Jarry has picked up a victory in his last six outings, including a 13-save relief appearance against the Blues Wednesday. He’s allowed more than 2 goals just once over his last 14 games dating back to Nov. 16 and is 1-0 with a 1.94 GAA and 0.947 SV% in his lone start versus the Flyers this season.

Hart has just two wins in his last 10 outings and has allowed 3 or more goals seven times along that span. He gave up 3 goals on 36 shots in an overtime loss to the Penguins Nov. 4.

Penguins at Flyers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 4, Flyers 2

Money line

The Penguins come in as one of the hottest teams in the league and their divisional opponents are likely to be leery following a difficult West Coast road trip. Jarry gets the nod in the head-to-head goaltending matchup as well, but the -230 tag is unfortunately too steep to be a reasonable bet, although perhaps as part of a parlay it makes sense.

PASS on the money line and look to leverage with the spread.

Against the spread

The PENGUINS -1.5 (+112) are the team to back against the spread. While the first meeting between these clubs went to overtime, these are two squads heading in vastly different directions in recent play.

There appear to be some distinct edges for the Pens beyond just the goaltending matchup, too. Pittsburgh averages 35.3 shots per game, third in the league, while the Flyers allow the second-highest mark in the league at 34.8 shots allowed per game.

The Penguins also have the league’s best penalty kill with an 89.9% success rate, while the Flyers struggle on the power play. It’s going to be an uphill battle for Philadelphia Thursday.

Over/Under

You could toy with the Over if this number drops to 6, but seven goals is simply too steep. The Flyers may not pull their weight if Jarry is confirmed to be between the pipes, and while Hart has had struggles of late, he’s played the Penguins well over the course of his career. Banking on them to score upwards of 5 goals to push this Over is likely not a reasonable outcome.

PASS or take the UNDER 6.5 (-140) if you’re so inclined.

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St. Louis Blues at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s St. Louis Blues at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (19-9-5) and Pittsburgh Penguins (18-8-5) meet Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. ET puck drop at PPG Paints Arena. Below, we look at the Blues vs. Penguins odds and lines and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

St. Louis has earned a pair of two-goal wins — over the Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild — since the league returned from its COVID-19 hiatus last week. The second of those wins was in Saturday’s Winter Classic at Target Field.

The Blues are 4-1 over their last five games and 9-2-2 over their last 13. Paced by the NHL’s third-best power play (29.5%), St. Louis ranks fifth in the league with 3.45 goals per game.

The Penguins continue to be a streaky club and are currently on an eight-game win streak. The last time Pittsburgh had a winning streak or losing skid of fewer than three games was mid-November.

The Pens have an elite penalty-killing unit that leads the league with a 91.0% success rate of thwarting opponents’ power plays en route to posting the league’s fifth-best goals-against average (2.48).

Blues at Penguins odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:48 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blues +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Penguins -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-240) | Penguins -1.5 (+175)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)

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Blues at Penguins projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (10-6-3, 2.89 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (15-5-4, 1.93 GAA, .932 SV%)

Binnington last played when he allowed 4 goals in Saturday’s Winter Classic at Minnesota. He’s been solid against shots from distance but somewhat iffy against mid-range shots and efforts from close quarters. Binnington backs a defense that ranks in the bottom third of allowing those types of quality looks.

Jarry has allowed more than 2 goals in just one start since Nov. 18. He’s 10-1-1 with a stellar .950 SV% over that stretch. Jarry owns terrific numbers at home over recent seasons, and he’s clocked a .943 SV% over his last three starts on home ice.

Blues at Penguins odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 3, Blues 2

Money line

The Pens have gone 13-2-1 record since Nov. 18 while scoring 3.50 goals per game and allowing just 1.81. Their special teams have been outstanding.

Puck-possession analytics don’t support the Blues’ 9-2-2 mark over their last 13 tilts.

BACK THE PENGUINS (-140).

Against the spread

A lot of extra juice drowning out these prices: PASS.

Over/Under

The Under is 6-2-4 across the last 12 Blues-Pens meetings in Pittsburgh.

Jarry returning from COVID-19 protocol and taking the ice for the first time since Dec. 18 creates some gray area, but Pittsburgh excels in choking down good looks from the slot, and its numbers since early December have even been improving in that area.

Some of the Blues’ recent scores of been over-colored by power-play goals while Pittsburgh went a 14-game stretch from Nov. 16 to Dec. 17 without allowing an extra-man goal. St. Louis also may head into this contest with a bit of a Winter Classic hangover.

There is value in the UNDER 6.5 (-140).

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Edmonton Oilers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (10-7-5) visit the Edmonton Oilers (15-5-0) Wednesday at Rogers Place. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Oilers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Penguins suffered a 2-1 loss in a shootout to the Flames in Calgary Monday in the front end of their Alberta trip. Pittsburgh has now dropped two games in a row after a five-game win streak.

The Oilers have won consecutive road games against the Vegas Golden Knights and Arizona Coyotes. They’re also working on a five-game win streak at home dating back to Oct. 27 when they suffered a 5-3 setback against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Penguins at Oilers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:22 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Oilers -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-270) | Oilers -1.5 (+190)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Penguins at Oilers projected goalies

Tristan Jarry (10-4-4, 1.85 GAA, .938 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Mikko Koskinen (11-2-0, 2.89 GAA, .912 SV%)

Jarry allowed just one goal on 32 shots in the 2-1 shootout loss in Calgary, snapping a five-start win streak that included three shutouts. He has allowed two or fewer goals in seven straight appearances.

Koskinen as won two in a row and wrapped up November with a 7-1-0 record, 3.25 GAA and .898 SV% in eight appearances. He has won four of his five home starts.

Penguins at Oilers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 4, Oilers 3

Money line

The PENGUINS (+102) have registered victories in 19 of their last 25 meetings with the Oilers, including in each of their last six trips to Edmonton. The road team is 4-1 in the past five meetings, too. Jarry has been one of the best goaltenders in the game and the Penguins are a great play as short ‘dogs with him in the crease.

Against the spread

The Penguins +1.5 (-250) are too costly at two and a half times your potential return if you would like a little insurance.

AVOID, and trust the Pens straight up.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-107) is the lean, ever so slightly. It’s been all Under all the time for Pittsburgh with Jarry in net, but he hasn’t faced the likes of C Connor McDavid, C Leon Draisaitl and company. They’ll get theirs, even if they’re the only ones. While Koskinen has been winning, he has given up more than three goals in five of his last six appearances.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (5-4-4) travel to meet the Washington Capitals (8-2-4) Sunday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Capitals odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Penguins were doubled up 6-3 by the Senators in Ottawa Saturday, now they turn around and play the second end of the rare national capital back-to-back. Pittsburgh is 1-1-2 across its last four, and 2-4-2 over its last eight.

The Capitals enter on a three-game win streak, including 4-3 at Columbus Friday behind G Ilya Samsonov. Seven of Washington’s eight victories have been by more than one goal, so the one-goal win was certainly a rarity.

Penguins at Capitals odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Capitals -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-210) | Capitals -1.5 (+160)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +115 | U: -145)

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Penguins at Capitals projected goalies

Tristan Jarry (5-2-3, 2.23 GAA, .929 SV%) vs. Ilya Samsonov (4-0-1, 2.93 GAA, .894 SV%, 1 SO)

Jarry did not travel to Ottawa with the team, but he is projected to start in D.C. Each of his last four starts has needed overtime or a shootout, and he is 2-0-2 with a 2.34 GAA and .932 SV% in those four November outings.

Samsonov turned aside 26 of his 29 shots in a 4-3 win at Columbus Friday, making up for an absolute egg-laying in his previous outing Nov. 4 in Florida when he let in three goals on just 18 shots.

Penguins at Capitals odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 4, Capitals 3

Money line

The PENGUINS (+135) play the second end of a back-to-back situation, but the good news is they welcome back head coach Mike Sullivan after a bout with COVID-19.

While Pittsburgh is 1-5 in its last six games on the road, it has won four of the past five when playing on no rest. Pittsburgh is also 6-2 in the past eight meetings with Washington, and 5-2 in its last seven trips to D.C.

Against the spread

The PENGUINS +1.5 (-210) are worth playing if you aren’t trusting them straight up. This price isn’t totally out of line for a little bit of insurance, but at more than -200 this is beginning to lose its value a little bit.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (+115) is worth a small-unit play at plus money. The Over has cashed in nine of the last 12 meetings in this series, while the Over is 4-1 in Pittsburgh’s past five on the road, and the Over is 4-1-1 in its last six against winning teams.

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Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Florida Panthers (10-2-1) travel to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins (4-3-4) Thursday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Panthers vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers didn’t suffer a loss in regulation across the first 11 games, going 10-0-1. That all changed on the current road trip as they lost 4-3 against the New York Rangers Monday and 7-3 in the second end of back-to-back games against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday.

The Penguins enter on a 1-3-2 skid across their last six games, including back-to-back losses via shootout. Pittsburgh lost a 5-4 barn burner in overtime at the Panthers Oct. 14 when the teams first met.

Panthers at Penguins odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:57 a.m. ET.

Money line: Panthers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Penguins +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+190) | Penguins +1.5 (-270)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -150 | U: +120)

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Panthers at Penguins projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (6-0-0, 1.72 GAA, .948 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (4-2-3, 2.28 GAA, .926 SV%)

Bobrovsky was in between the pipes Oct. 14 in the first meeting with the Pens, allowing 4 goals on a season-high 47 shots faced. He has been dealing with an upper-body injury, keeping him out for the past week, but he is reportedly back to full health.

Jarry has been on the short end of two straight shootout losses, last winning in overtime Nov. 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Jarry has allowed 3 or fewer goals in seven of his nine outings.

Panthers at Penguins odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 4, Panthers 3

Money line

The PENGUINS (+102) are attractive as short ‘dogs in their home barn, as the Panthers have been ice-cold on the road against the Metropolitan Division. Back the home team until Florida shows it can regain its scoring magic. Plus, the Panthers are a dismal 7-19 in the past 26 trips to the Steel City.

Against the spread

The Penguins +1.5 (-270) are just too expensive on the puck line, costing you more than two and a half times your potential return for the insurance. If you like the Pens, just play them straight up.

PASS.

Over/Under

The OVER 5.5 (-150) is a little on the pricey side, but it’s the way to go. These teams combined for 9 total goals in the first meeting last month.

Florida has cashed the Over in four straight games, while also going 4-0 in its last four as a favorite. The Pens have also hit the Over in four straight as an underdog.

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New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New Jersey Devils (3-2-0) face the Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-2) Saturday at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Devils vs. Penguins odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Devils are coming off a 5-3 home loss to the Calgary Flames Tuesday and have rested ever since. This will be the first road game of the season for New Jersey.

The Penguins were dumped 4-0 by the Flames Thursday, dropping a second straight outing while being outscored 9-1 during the span. The Over has connected in five of the past seven games overall.

Devils at Penguins odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Devils +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Penguins -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-210) | Penguins -1.5 (+160)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

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Devils at Penguins projected goalies

Jonathan Bernier (2-0-0, 2.48 GAA, .911 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (3-1-1, 1.78 GAA, .933 SV%)

Bernier has picked up wins over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks and expansion Seattle Kraken last time out. He allowed just two goals on 29 shots against Seattle Tuesday.

Jarry allowed three goals on 29 shots last time out Tuesday against the defending champ Tampa Bay Lightning. Before that, he had allowed two or fewer goals in each of his first four starts, going 3-0-1.

Devils at Penguins odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 4, Devils 1

Money line

The PENGUINS (-155) were blanked last time out against the Flames, but they still have managed 3.4 goals per game to rank ninth in the NHL. You can expect Pittsburgh to bounce back in a big way, and it will likely lean upon its No. 1 penalty kill.

Against the spread

The PENGUINS -1.5 (+160) are worth a small-unit play, but it might take a late empty-net goal to get your wager across the finish line. Pittsburgh has won five straight against New Jersey, and four of the past five in the Steel City. Look for the Pens to maintain their dominance and get it done once again, doubling up the Devs.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (+110) is the slight lean here at plus money. The Under is 3-1-1 in the past five meetings in Pittsburgh, while going 4-1 in the past five for the Pens as a home favorite.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning open the 2021-22 NHL regular season Tuesday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Lightning odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Penguins are likely eager to begin the new season after getting bounced in the first round of last season’s playoffs in six games by the New York Islanders. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and rearranging of divisions last season, this is their first meeting with the Lightning since Feb. 11, 2020, and their first trip to Tampa since Feb. 6, 2020.

The Lightning will raise their latest Stanley Cup championship banner before the game. Tampa Bay has won four consecutive meetings in the series since a loss Jan. 30, 2019, and has won five straight at home against Pittsburgh dating back to Oct. 12, 2017, although three of those games were decided by just one goal.

Penguins at Lightning odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:52 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Lightning -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Penguins +1.5 (-130) | Lightning -1.5 (+105)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

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Penguins at Lightning projected goalies

Tristan Jarry (25-9-3, 2.75 GAA, .909 SV%) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (31-10-1, 2.21 GAA, .925 SV%)

Jarry has posted a 1-2-2 record across the last five years in his first start of the regular season. He made 45 saves in a 3-2 loss against the Lightning Oct. 23, 2019, the last time he faced them.

Vasilevskiy was a perfect 3-0-0 with a 1.65 GAA and .953 SV% in three starts against the Penguins during the 2019-20 season.

Penguins at Lightning odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Lightning 4, Penguins 2

Money line

Playing Lightning (-250) will cost you two times your potential return and that’s just too expensive, especially on opening night.

AVOID, and look to the puck line instead.

Against the spread

The LIGHTNING -1.5 (+105) is a much better value. Vasilevskiy has won four consecutive starts against the Penguins dating back to Jan. 30, 2019. Tampa Bay should be plenty amped up in front of a sold-out crowd as they raise another banner to the rafters.

The Pens will also be without the services of C Sidney Crosby, who is making his way back from a wrist injury.

The home team has won nine of the last 11 meetings in this series, and the favorite has won 41 of the last 59 meetings. Look for Vasilevskiy and the Lightning to get it done, although a late empty-net goal might be needed for a winning ticket.

Over/Under

Look at the ALTERNATE TOTAL of UNDER 6.5 (-140). Under a number that high is a strong play whenever Vasilevskiy is in between the pipes. While the Over has connected frequently when these teams get together some trends are made to be broken. I think the Penguins are going to have a hard time solving the defending Conn Smythe Trophy winner, especially without Sid the Kid.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders Game 6 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders Game 6 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders play Game 6 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Wednesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Islanders odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Penguins have dropped the past two games to fall into a 3-2 series hole, and now they have to play on the road trying to extend their season. They won on the Island in Game 3, 5-4, so they can do it.

The Islanders scratched out a 3-2 double-overtime victory in Pittsburgh in Game 5 as Pens netminder Tristan Jarry misplayed a puck, and Josh Bailey pounced on it for the winning goal.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Islanders -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins +1.5 (-300) | Islanders -1.5 (+230)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +120 | U: -145)

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (25-9-3, 2.75 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Ilya Sorokin (13-6-3, 2.17 GAA, .918 SV%, 3 SO)

Jarry will look to respond favorably after his misplay in 2OT, and he will have to, as the Penguins are on the brink. They have to win the next two games to stay alive and advance.

Sorokin has started three games in this series, and the rookie has won all three outings. He is 3-0-0 with a 1.66 GAA and .951 SV% in his first-ever NHL postseason.

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Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 3, Penguins 2

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-110) are the play in Game 6 in their barn as they look to push the Penguins (-110) to the handshake line. Sorokin has emerged as the go-to backstop allowing just three goals across 140:51 in his past two starts.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Penguins +1.5 (-300) will cost you three times your potential return if you want a little bit of insurance, and that’s just not a good investment or long-term betting strategy to hit high lines like that. You can’t trust the Islanders -1.5 (+230) in this spot, either, as it should be a close one, potentially another game that requires overtime.

AVOID, and just play the money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-145) is the play here. The Islanders aren’t likely take a lot of chances and allow the Penguins a chance at odd-man rushes the other way. And the Pens should be a little tight as they play for their playoff lives.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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