Florida Panthers (28-14-4) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (21-17-6)
Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 1/26/24 – In a highly anticipated NHL clash, the Florida Panthers will face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday. As we delve into this matchup, it’s essential to note the Panthers’ strong standing and the Penguins’ determination to climb up the ranks. This game, set to unfold at the PPG Paints Arena, is not just another regular-season encounter but a showcase of skill and strategy. Fans seeking NHL daily free tips should pay close attention to this game, as it promises to be a significant indicator of both teams’ potential as the season progresses.
The Florida Panthers, led by Sam Reinhart’s impressive offensive lineup, have been formidable this season. His astonishing 34 goals and 58 points in 46 games is evidence of his skill. Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe make up an effective three-pronged attack. Their playmaking abilities combined with Verhaeghe’s scoring potential makes the Panthers an imposing front. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, their defense has been inconsistent this season; key for Florida is to take advantage of any defensive gaps and maximize scoring potential against lapses and exploit their high-scoring potential.
On the other side, Pittsburgh Penguins’ offense led by Sidney Crosby should not be underestimated. With 27 goals and 48 points in 44 games, Crosby remains at the heart of their attack while Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin bring their unique skills to the fore; Guentzel’s balanced scoring/assist capabilities coupled with Malkin’s experience and playmaking make their offense quite versatile – though up against Panthers defense that has shown resilience on the road, they will need creative ways around this barrier to make sure their home advantage will work.
Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 1/26/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, January 26, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ball Arena, Colorado |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Goaltender Tristan Jarry
Sergei Bobrovsky has played in 34 games for the Panthers this season, compiling a 21-10-2 record along with a 2.55 goals against average. His .908 save percentage comes from making 827 saves on 911 shots faced. Bobrovsky is a steady veteran presence in net, boasting nearly 2,000 minutes played. He’s allowed more than three goals only 10 times all year. Bobrovsky should be well-prepared to face a Pittsburgh squad that takes a lot of shots but struggles to finish consistently.
Tristan Jarry has suited up for 31 games for Pittsburgh, managing just 12 wins against 14 losses and 4 overtime defeats. His 2.56 goals against average is nearly identical to Bobrovsky’s but Jarry’s .913 save percentage lags behind. Jarry has stopped 754 of 826 shots faced for a more pedestrian rate. He’s been inconsistent this season, allowing four or more goals seven times, including four of his past seven starts. Jarry will need to raise his game facing the Panthers offense that generates the second-most goals per contest at 3.7. He could be in for a long night if he doesn’t come prepared.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds and point spreads are yet to be determined, it’s important to keep an eye on these as the game day approaches. These odds will reflect the perceptions of experts and bookmakers regarding the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.
Florida Panthers Betting Trends
The Panthers have shown a solid trend in their recent games, going 3-2 in their last five matchups. More importantly, they have maintained a strong performance against the spread, especially in road games. Their ability to perform under varying conditions makes them a reliable bet. The trend of the totals going over in their recent games also suggests a tendency towards high-scoring encounters, which bettors should consider.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
For the Penguins, they have struggled against the spread with an 11-12 home record. Pittsburgh has failed to cover in three of their past five overall as well. The under has hit in eight of the Penguins’ last 21 contests at home. Most recently, a five-game under streak was snapped. In their building, Pittsburgh scores 3.3 goals on average while permitting opponents to score 3.5 per game. The fact that they’ve allowed more goals than they’ve scored themselves at home is concerning facing one of the highest scoring teams in Florida.
Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 1/26/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and current trends, this game is poised to be a closely contested battle. The Panthers, with their strong offensive lineup and solid goaltending, seem to have a slight edge, especially considering their road record against the spread. The Penguins, while having home advantage and a capable offense, will need to step up their game to counter the Panthers’ strengths.
In terms of picks, the better choice seems to be leaning towards the Panthers, especially if they manage to maintain their offensive rhythm. Prop bets on high-scoring players like Reinhart or Crosby could be interesting, given their current form. As for the over/under, considering both teams’ recent trends, a high-scoring game could be anticipated. However, these handpicked predictions should be revisited once the betting lines are released for more accurate recommendations.
Free Pick and Prediction: Florida Panthers 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 3