Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

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.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs (11-10-4) and Detroit Red Wings (7-16-3) hook up in an Original Six renewal of acquaintances Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Hockeytown. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Red Wings sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Maple Leafs at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Jimmy Howard

Andersen carries an 11-5-2 mark, 2.68 goals against average and .916 save percentage into battle. One of those wins came at LCA back on Oct. 12 when the Danish tendie stopped 25 of the 27 shots he faced in a 5-2 victory.

Howard was on the receiving end of the 5-2 beating back on Oct. 12, coughing up four goals on 40 shots. One of those goals allowed went to Maple Leafs C Alexander Kerfoot, but Howard needn’t worry about the ex-Avalanche pivot, as Kerfoot is suspended for this one.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Maple Leafs 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 3:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Maple Leafs (-209) are heavy favorites in this one, but they simply cannot be trusted at this price point. Yes, they have shown some jump under new bench boss Sheldon Keefe, winning two in a row at Arizona and at Colorado, but they’re still too risky even against the cellar-dwelling Red Wings (+170). Look to the puck line instead.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-1.5, +135) are anything but a sure thing. However, if you’re looking for value, the Leafs catching plus-money to win by two or more goals is the spot. They outscored the Coyotes and Avalanche 8-4 in two games under Keefe, winning each game by two goals. Those who bet only the moneyline in the past two outings left money on the table.

Over/Under (O/U)

The line on the UNDER 6.5 (-139) is slightly inflated. The Leafs are still without Mitch Marner (ankle), and Andersen has been a beacon of hope for the Leafs. The Red Wings have a strong offense with a bright future, but they have had their hands full with the Leafs. The Under is 9-3-1 in the past 13 meetings in Detroit, too. This won’t be a defensive slog, but won’t be mistaken as fire wagon hockey, either.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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