Free NHL Picks Today: Vegas Golden Knights vs Pittsburgh Penguins 1/5/23

The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-12-6) will be hoping to snap their losing run when they are on the road to face the Vegas Golden Knights (26-12-2) at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday. Pittsburgh is coming off a 2-1 loss against the Bruins on Monday, their fifth defeat in a row. Kasperi Kapanen was the only player to find the net for the Penguins.

Tristan Jarry started in the loss and had eight saves. Vegas is playing the first of seven games at home after a 3-2 win over the Avalanche on Monday. Nicolas Roy was the leading goal scorer for the Golden Knights, netting twice. Logan Thompson saved 27 of 29 shots in the win (.931%).

HEAD TO HEAD

The Penguins won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 4-3 victory in December, their fourth straight win against Vegas. Jake Guentzel, Kapanen, and Brock McGinn each had two points (1G 1A) to lead Pittsburgh. Jack Eichel led Vegas with two points (1G 1A). Jarry got the win, saving 34 of 37 shots (.918%).

FACING OFF

Pittsburgh is averaging 3.27 goals per game for the season, 11th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Golden Knights team that is allowing 2.80 goals a game (10th). Meanwhile, Vegas has found the net 3.28 times a game on average, 10th in the league, and the Penguins are allowing opponents to score 3.00 goals per game (15th).

The Golden Knights’ 24.11% power play percentage ranks 10th in the league, while the Penguins are 15th with a conversion rate of 22.05%. Pittsburgh has been equally adept at penalty killing, boasting the league’s second-highest PK% at 84.30%. Vegas ranks 18th at 78.30%.

TOP PERFORMERS:

With 43 points this season, Sidney Crosby is the top skater for the Penguins. He has 19 goals and 24 assists in 37 games. In the net, Jarry (15-5-4) is Pittsburgh’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.78 GAA and a .917% save percentage.

Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone lead the Golden Knights in scoring with 39 and 36 points, respectively. Stephenson has 10 goals and 29 assists (8th) in 40 games, while Stone has 16 goals and 20 assists. Thompson (17-9-1) has the best goals against average for Vegas at 2.64. He has a save percentage of .915%.