Two of the NHL’s highest volume shooting teams are set to face off at FLA Live Arena on Saturday, as the Florida Panthers (30-27-6) welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins (31-21-9). Pittsburgh is coming off a high-scoring 5-4 overtime win over the Lightning on Thursday, their fourth win in a row.
The Penguins committed five penalties in the game, conceding two power play goals. Jeff Petry and Jason Zucker both scored twice for the Penguins. Tristan Jarry allowed four goals on 31 shots against (.870%) in the win. Florida fell 2-1 to the Predators on Thursday. Brandon Montour was the only player to score for the Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky saved 21 of 23 shots in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Penguins have won both games between the teams this season, including a 7-6 (OT) victory in their most recent meeting in January. Kris Letang led Pittsburgh with four points (2G 2A). Aaron Ekblad led Florida with three points (1G 2A). Casey DeSmith got the win despite saving only 33 of 39 shots (.846%).
FACING OFF
Pittsburgh is averaging 3.26 goals per game for the season, 13th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Panthers team that is allowing 3.41 goals a game (23rd). Meanwhile, Florida has found the net 3.38 times a game on average, eighth in the league, and the Penguins are allowing opponents to score 3.18 goals per game (18th).
Both teams average more shots/game than most teams in the league. Florida’s 36.3 average ranks first, while Pittsburgh ranks No. 5 with 33.7 attempts. When it comes to shot-stopping, the Penguins have been more successful with a team save percentage of .910% (12th), while the Panthers have stopped .901% of shots as a team (19th).
Power play opportunities should be plentiful for the Penguins, as the Panthers have been penalized 4.73 times a game, most in the NHL, for an average of 11.79 minutes (third-highest). The visitors are averaging 3.69 penalties (17th) and 8.33 penalty minutes a game (21st).
The Panthers’ 20.95% power play percentage ranks 14th in the league, while the Penguins are 16th with a conversion rate of 20.85%. Florida has been poor at penalty killing, as the hosts possess the league’s fifth-lowest PK% at 73.89%. Pittsburgh’s 79.59% ranks 16th in the NHL.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 73 points this season, Sidney Crosby is the top skater for the Penguins. He has 27 goals and 46 assists in 61 games. In the net, Jarry (18-7-5) is Pittsburgh’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.73 GAA and a .918% save percentage.
Matthew Tkachuk leads the Panthers in scoring with 79 points (6th in the league). He has 28 goals and 51 assists (7th). Bobrovsky (18-16-2) has the best goals against average for Florida at 3.06. He has a save percentage of .904%.
HOME AND AWAY
Pittsburgh is looking for a fourth consecutive road win this season. Florida is 16-10-3 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Florida Panthers (-125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
