Free NHL Picks Today: Winnipeg Jets vs Pittsburgh Penguins 11/19/22

Offense meets defense at Canada Life Centre on Saturday as the explosive Pittsburgh Penguins (7-7-3) head to take on the stifling Winnipeg Jets (10-4-1). Pittsburgh is coming off a high-scoring 6-4 win over the Wild on Thursday.

The Penguins took advantage of their power play opportunities, scoring twice on five shots while holding Minnesota without a power play goal. Sidney Crosby was the top goalscorer for the Penguins with two goals. Tristan Jarry only saved 19 of 23 shots (.826%) in the win.

Winnipeg beat the Ducks 3-2 on Thursday. Kyle Connor was the leading goal scorer for the Jets, netting a hat trick. Connor Hellebuyck was impressive in the win, making 29 saves (.935%).

HEAD TO HEAD

The Penguins won both games between the teams last season, including a 3-2 (SO) victory in their final meeting in January, their third straight win against Winnipeg. Kasperi Kapanen scored Pittsburgh’s only goal. Blake Wheeler led Winnipeg with two points (1G 1A). Jarry got the win, saving 27 of 29 shots (.931%).

FACING OFF

Pittsburgh is averaging 3.65 goals per game for the season, fourth in the NHL. The visitors will face a tough challenge against a Jets team that is allowing just 2.33 goals a game (2nd). Meanwhile, Winnipeg has found the net 3.07 times a game on average, 16th in the league, and the Penguins are allowing opponents to score 3.59 goals per game (26th).

The Jets’ 21.15% power play percentage ranks 14th in the league, while the Penguins are 20th with a conversion rate of 20.00%. Winnipeg has been more adept at penalty killing, boasting the league’s third-highest PK% at 84.21%. Pittsburgh ranks 22nd at 77.19%.

TOP PERFORMERS:

With 21 points this season, Crosby is the top skater for the Penguins. He has nine goals and 12 assists in 17 games. In the net, Casey DeSmith (2-4-1) is Pittsburgh’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.86 GAA and a .910% save percentage. Jarry (4-3-2) leads the Penguins in games played in goal.

He has a GAA of 3.56 and a save percentage of .900%.Josh Morrissey and Connor lead the Jets in scoring with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Morrissey has one goal and 15 assists, while Connor has five goals and 10 assists in 15 games.

Hellebuyck (7-3-1) is the top goalie for Winnipeg with a goals against average of 2.08, second-best in the league. He has a save percentage of .935%, also second-best.