Vegas scored six against Pittsburgh in their first meeting. The Golden Knights have topped two goals just once in six games since, and they head to Pittsburgh on Tuesday a night after a shootout loss in Boston. With the rematch priced close to even, it’s worth asking where the goals might come from this time.
Vegas grades higher, and Pittsburgh has been scoring
DraftKings had Vegas at −112 and Pittsburgh at −108 in its 8:11 a.m. ET snapshot. Our grades give Vegas a small edge on offense and a bigger one on defense in the matchup with Adin Hill and Arturs Silovs. Both goalies were unconfirmed, and their last five starts apiece produced nearly identical save rates of about 89%.
Pittsburgh has scored at least three in five straight games. Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson each had a goal and two assists in Saturday’s 5–4 loss to Montreal. If Vegas is still having trouble getting to three, that kind of production can keep Pittsburgh in the game. AP recap of Pittsburgh’s game in Montreal.
Sharpest Bets Premium
Get our Golden Knights vs. Penguins picks.
Unlock our model's best bets for this matchup, plus projections, trends, and matchup analysis. Start with a free 7-day trial, then save 20% every month with code PREVIEW20.
The penalty kill gives Pittsburgh a way in
DraftKings had the total at 6.5. The team projections give each side roughly 28 to 29 shots and about three power plays. The opportunities look similar, but Vegas had allowed a power-play goal in seven of eight games through Monday. The Golden Knights also got a power-play goal from Mark Stone in Boston, a reminder of where they can find a goal when scoring is tight. AP recap of Vegas’s game in Boston.
Evgeni Malkin was listed day-to-day Monday with a lower-body injury. If he sits, Pittsburgh loses some scoring depth in a game where one goal with the extra skater could make a difference.
At 6.5, the question is whether Pittsburgh can keep scoring at its recent clip and get enough help from Vegas to reach seven combined. Watch how Pittsburgh holds up at even strength. If it keeps those minutes close, the power play gives it a way to pull ahead. If Vegas gets going early, Pittsburgh may need that same power play just to keep pace.
We break down every matchup
For current odds, model projections and Premium sharp picks across the slate, head to the NHL betting board.
Odds and projections are snapshots and can change. Wagering involves risk.
More matchups to explore
Unlock our Premium picks. Free.
Get our sharpest picks, team grades, and projected score in your inbox.