The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-10-6) will be looking to end their losing run when they play host to the New Jersey Devils (22-11-2) at PPG Paints Arena on Friday. New Jersey is coming off a 3-1 loss against the Bruins on Wednesday. The Devils committed four penalties in the game, though they held Boston without a power play goal.
Nico Hischier scored the only goal for the Devils. Vitek Vanecek had 24 saves in the loss. Pittsburgh lost for the third straight game, falling 5-4 (OT) to the Red Wings on Wednesday. Jason Zucker was the leading goal scorer for the Penguins, netting twice. Casey DeSmith only had 41 saves on 46 shots against (.891%) in the loss.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams split their four meetings last season, the last of which was a 6-1 victory for the Devils in February. Jesper Bratt (2G 1A), Hischier (1G 2A), and Jack Hughes (0G 3A) each had three points to lead New Jersey. Evgeni Malkin scored Pittsburgh’s only goal. Nico Daws got the win, saving 37 of 38 shots (.973%).
FACING OFF
New Jersey is averaging 3.31 goals per game for the season, ninth in the NHL, and they are taking on a Penguins team that is allowing 3.00 goals a game (15th). Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has found the net 3.37 times a game on average, eighth in the league, and the Devils are holding opponents to 2.57 goals per game (3rd).
New Jersey averages more shots (35.1) than most teams in the league, ranking second, though the team’s 9.4% shooting percentage is 22nd. Pittsburgh’s average of 32.3 attempts ranks 11th.
The Penguins’ 24.35% power play percentage ranks 10th in the league, while the Devils are 24th with a conversion rate of 18.87%. Pittsburgh has been more adept at penalty killing, boasting the league’s third-highest PK% at 83.93%. New Jersey ranks ninth at 81.31%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 39 points this season, Hughes is the top skater for the Devils. He has 18 goals and 21 assists in 35 games. In the net, Vanecek (12-4-2) is New Jersey’s top goaltender. He has a 2.41 GAA and a .909% save percentage.
Sidney Crosby leads the Penguins in scoring with 43 points (10th in the league). He has 19 goals and 24 assists in 35 games. Tristan Jarry (15-4-4) has the best goals against average for Pittsburgh at 2.77. He has a save percentage of .918%.
HOME AND AWAY
New Jersey is 12-2-1 away from Prudential Center this season. Pittsburgh is 10-3-4 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Pittsburgh Penguins (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
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