NHL Predictions: October 21st Vancouver Canucks at Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins host the Canucks in an important game for both teams. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In tonight’s matchup, the Penguins and Canucks both looked to build momentum in the early goings this season.

NHL Predictions

Vancouver Canucks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Head-to-Head: Canucks 0-0 Penguins

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; SNP,

Both the Penguins and Canucks have started their seasons 4-2. With various teams looking to build momentum and gain ground in the playoff race, both Pittsburgh and Vancouver will put their best foot forward in this one.

The Penguins’ Story

The Pittsburgh Penguins have continued to defy pre-season expectations of the organization. A 4-2 record, in addition to solid overall play, has raised heads, as a team that has been predicted for a bottom-three finish may be showing signs of life. Head coach Dan Muse has preached accountability, speed, and support as some of the biggest focuses for this Penguins group. These directives have led to a defensive system far better focused on numbers and preventing odd-man rushes, an issue that plagued the last few years of Penguins hockey. Offensively, an emphasis for the forwards to drive the net, and the defence to shoot pucks through crowds, has resulted in an increase in scoring for the team.

Leading this charge is the “Mutant Line” of Evgeni Malkin, Anthony Mantha, and Justin Brazeau. Malkin has a team-leading nine points through 6 games, Brazeau a team-leading 4 goals, and Mantha four points in six games. With the Sidney Crosby line starting to heat up, Pittsburgh’s high-octane offence is waiting to be unlocked. Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang, the team’s premier offensive defencemen, haven’t even warmed up yet. Karlsson’s three assists and Letang’s lone assist fail to paint the picture of a pair of rejuvenated, fast defencemen. Both have been markedly better than in recent years at creating plays in the offensive zone and minimizing turnovers.

The Canucks’ Story

An early season scare, losing two of their first three, has turned into a team building momentum, with a 4-2 record. With captain Quinn Hughes’ contract set to expire after the 2026-27 season, Vancouver has dedicated all of their efforts to showing their captain they can build a true Stanley Cup contender around him. With injuries to players like Filip Chytil however, Vancouver will have to battle some early season adversity.

Leading the team in scoring is Conor Garland, with six points in six games. The aforementioned Quinn Hughes has five points, while the standout has been Kiefer Sherwood, scoring four goals through the first six games of the season. In addition to Chytil’s injury, it’s important to note that forward Brock Boeser has taken a leave from the team due to a personal matter, and doesn’t seem to be available for the Canucks either. With all of these lineup changes, Vancouver desperately needs forward Elias Pettersson to produce better than his one goal, two assist start to the season.

NHL Prediction

The Canucks need to keep getting points in the standings, however, with the absence of Chytil and Boeser, in addition to Pettersson’s continued struggles, Pittsburgh has an incredible opportunity to steal a win against a good squad. Expect the Penguins to win this one at home.

NHL Prediction: Penguins win 3-2.

Prop Bet for the Night

A popular prop bet is the total goals over 4 (-900). The Penguins have put an increased focus on defence and lower scoring results, look for a goaltending duel in this contest.

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