The Pittsburgh Penguins return home to host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. In today’s matchup, it’s an inter-divisional clash between Pittsburgh and Toronto.
NHL Predictions Toronto Maple Leafs vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Maple Leafs 1-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch TV: SN, CBC, CITY, NHLN, TVAS, SN-PIT
Location: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sidney Crosby and the Penguins host Auston Matthews and the Leafs in a rematch of an incredible game earlier in the year.
The Penguins Story
The Penguins come into this game off an impressive 4-3 win in overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Down 3-1 going into the third, goals from Bryan Rust and Sidney Crosby tied the game before Kris Letang would score in overtime to win it. With the win, Pittsburgh is 12-6-5 this season, their 29 points placing them in the top Stanley Cup playoff Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. If the Penguins are able to regain their form, they could move up the ranks even further. Currently, the organization ranks fourth in the conference by points percentage.
Leading the way for Pittsburgh are its top stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Crosby’s two point night against the Blue Jackets gives him the team lead in points, with 15 goals and 25 points in 23 games. Evgeni Malkin trails behind him, with six goals and 24 points through 23 games. With Tristan Jarry shutting the door on the Blue Jackets last night, expect to see Arturs Silovs in net against the Leafs. Silovs is 4-3-4 this season, boasting a .907 save percentage. The key to victory for Pittsburgh will be its explosive offence against an anemic Leafs defence. This is a good time for our disclaimer, please check social media for the very latest roster news before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.
The Leafs Story
The Leafs come into this game off a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals last night, after blowing a 2-0 lead. Expected to contend for a top-three spot in the Atlantic Division, the Leafs have been in a tailspin throughout this season. Toronto is 10-11-3, second last in the Eastern Conference. Defence has been a big issue for the Leafs, as the team’s aging defensive group hasn’t been able to insulate its goaltenders. To win against Pittsburgh, the Leafs will need to shut down the offence of the Penguins.
With Joseph Woll playing in the net last night, expect Dennis Hildeby to get the start in this game. Hildeby is 0-2-1 this season, with a .906 save percentage. All eyes will be on the Leafs’ stars like Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. Matthews has scored nine goals and 15 points through 19 games this season, a far cry from the expected production of the superstar centre. With the loss of Mitch Marner, Matthew Knies has done a good job in helping to replace his offence. He’s scored six goals and 24 points in 21 games this season. Look for them, and John Tavares to put their best foot forward in trying to get the Leafs in the win column.
NHL Prediction
The Leafs are primed to have a breakout game, such as the one they had against Pittsburgh earlier in the year. Expect them to come out playing hard, and eventually taking the win over the Penguins.
NHL Prediction: Leafs win 5-4
Prop Bet of the Night
In what should be a high-scoring game, a popular prop bet of goals over 8 with odds of +420 is a good bet.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: November 29th Toronto Maple Leafs vs Pittsburgh Penguins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.