NHL Predictions: Winnipeg Jets at Pittsburgh Penguins, March 21st

The Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins face-off for crucial points. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey. Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL. In tonight’s matchup, the Penguins and Jets clash as both teams look to amass points ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

NHL Predictions featuring the Winnipeg Jets and the Pittsburgh Penguins

How to Watch: SN-PIT, TSN3, Sportsnet+, NHL Centre Ice, NHL Centre Network

Penguins Story

Pittsburgh comes into this game off a 5-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime. With the loss, Pittsburgh is 4-3-3 in their last 10 games. With an overall record of 34-18-16 on the season, the Penguins sit second in the Metropolitan Division, with a one-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders. Heading into the final 14 games of the regular season, Pittsburgh has finally gotten both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup following an injury and a suspension, respectively.

The captain of the Penguins wasted no time in getting reacquainted with the team. He scored a goal and an assist in the loss against Carolina, now up to 28 goals and 61 points through 57 games this season. Crosby’s return helped out his linemates as well. Rickard Rakell put up two assists in the loss. On the second line, Evgeni Malkin scored an assist. He’s now up to 15 goals and 51 points in what’s been a resurgent season for the Penguins legend. The story of the game and the story of the past week, however, has been Erik Karlsson. Scoring two goals and an assist against Carolina, Karlsson has 10 points in his past five games and was named NHL Player of the Week for this past week. Karlsson has reemerged as a superstar this season, scoring nine goals and 52 points in 63 games. 

With Stuart Skinner getting the start in the last game, expect Arturs Silovs to appear against the Jets. Silovs is 15-9-8 this season with an .895 save percentage. However, now is a good time to remind you to always check the official lineup before placing any kind of bet. 

Jets Story

What was a disastrous season for most of the year has evened out into a mediocre one. Coming into this game off a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg is 5-3-2 in their last 10. With an overall record of 28-29-11 this season, the Jets sit just five points out of a weak Western Conference playoff race. Although it’s unlikely that the Jets will be able to qualify for the playoffs this season, it is still certainly possible, given the lower bar to entry in the West. 

Winnipeg is led in scoring by Mark Scheifele. The long-term Jet has had an incredible season, scoring 31 goals and 83 points in 68 games. A big reason for this has been the performance of Kyle Connor. The Jets winger is up to 31 goals and 78 points in 68 games. Watch for this duo to give the Penguins’ defensive group fits in their game. Gabriel Vilardi has had a good season as well, building off his breakout season last year. He’s up to 26 goals and 56 points through 68 games on the season. From the blueline, Josh Morrissey is the player to watch. Morrissey has scored 12 goals and 46 points in 63 games this season, although he’s struggled recently, with just a goal and an assist over his past five games. 

Expect Connor Hellebuyck to start in net for the Jets. The Olympic Gold Medallist has struggled this season, with a record of 17-19-10 with an .897 save percentage.

Prediction

The Penguins are fighting for their playoff lives, while Winnipeg has an outside chance of making it themselves. Pittsburgh, however, returning home from a road trip with their franchise stars back in the lineup, get the edge in this game. 

Predictions: Penguins win 5-3 

Prop Bet of the Night

Expecting a high-scoring game, as has been the Penguins’ style recently, a popular prop bet of goals over seven with odds of +198 is a good one. 

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