Canucks: Betting odds and prediction vs. Penguins (November 24th)
The Vancouver Canucks squandered a glorious chance to earn some much needed momentum on Sunday night, falling to the Blackhawks by a score of 1-0.
The Canucks temporarily bucked their previous defensive struggles by only giving up one goal to Chicago’s Brandon Hagel, but were unfortunately struck by an offensive drought thanks to Marc-Andre Fleury, who kept out all 40 shots that the Canucks sent his way.
Vancouver controlled much of the play for the first 40 minutes, but were outshot massively in the third period, particularly at 5-on-5. The effort was present for the home side but, at the end of the day, losing in this fashion does not gain the team any small moral victory.
Vancouver now sits with a record of 6-11-2 on the year, and will need to look ahead to their next game on Wednesday night on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pittsburgh, who currently holds a record of 8-6-4, achieved back-to-back shutout victories over the Canadiens and Leafs before decisively beating the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-1. The Penguins have been severely hampered to open the season, dealing with COVID-19, as well as with many injuries to key players such as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, but seem to be turning their season around at the right time.
Pittsburgh’s defensive abilities have resulted in a top-10 defensive record early on in the year, allowing 2.82 goals per game, whilst their offensive output is average in the NHL, sitting at T-15th with 2.94 goals per game. Their special teams have been polar opposites to each other to begin the year, as they hold the leagues best penalty kill at an 89.1% efficiency, but also run a powerplay that is dead last in league at 11.5%.
Penguins’ head coach Mike Sullivan has them playing a very disciplined system in light of their roster turnover night-to-night, and have been deemed to play dull hockey to counteract their shortcomings. This style probably suits the Canucks, especially given how they’ve played this year, and should result in Vancouver’s terrible defensive and penalty kill record being under less pressure on Wednesday night.
Expect Vancouver to return to starter Thatcher Demko on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, while the Penguins should counter with incumbent starter Tristan Jarry.
The odds for Wednesday’s game between the Canucks and Penguins are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official betting partner of FanSided.
Penguins vs. Canucks Odds and Totals:
Moneyline:
Canucks +170
Penguins -215
Total:
5.5 goals (over -125 // under +105)
Puckline:
Canucks +1.5 at -140
Penguins -1.5 at +120
Penguins vs. Canucks Prediction:
Expect the Canucks to play like they’ve done in their last few games, performing with intense energy and effort to keep the game within reach right down to the end. Pair Vancouver’s recent play with Pittsburgh improving form, especially on the defensive end of the rink, and you should get to witness a competitive, albeit low-scoring game.
The Penguins have only allowed three goals over their last four games, whilst the Canucks have only reached three goals once in their last four outings. All signs point to the under in this game based off recent form, and this contributor is backing that trend on Wednesday night.
Pick: Under 5.5 goals at +105
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Penguins and Canucks? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!