Pittsburgh Penguins (27-21-8) vs. Calgary Flames (29-25-5)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Calgary Flames 3/2/24 – On Saturday afternoon at Scotiabank Saddledome, Pittsburgh and Calgary will face off in an action-packed match-up that promises to thrill NHL fans with its intensity and unpredictable nature. Fans are sure to experience all that these thrilling matches bring – it will provide captivating premium NHL game day insights reflecting this season’s unpredictability!
The Penguins offense led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin packs plenty of firepower, but the Flames have been stellar defensively this season. Crosby continues his Hart Trophy-caliber campaign with 62 points, using his sublime vision and playmaking to set up teammates. Malkin also remains a dynamic threat with 45 points thanks to his strength protecting the puck.
Spearheaded by offseason acquisition Nazem Kadri, the Flames offense presents all kinds of problems for opponents with its speed and puck movement. Kadri has excelled in Calgary with 51 points while Blake Coleman has provided secondary scoring with 46 points of his own. However, Tristan Jarry has the ability to steal games in net for the Penguins, who have battled injuries on the blue line but remain structured defensively. Jarry faces plenty of rubber but boasts a solid .912 save percentage to keep Pittsburgh competitive.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Calgary Flames 3/2/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Scotiabank Saddledome |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Tristan Jarry vs. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom
Tristan Jarry holds down the crease for the visiting Penguins. Posting a .912 save percentage across 39 appearances, Jarry has faced the third-most shots in the NHL this season. His athletic hybrid style allows him to make spectacular saves, but can also leave him scrambling outside the crease. The Flames boast one of the most opportunistic offenses led by Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm, so Jarry must stay disciplined and not give up soft goals. Still, he should make plenty of timely stops to keep Pittsburgh in it.
At the other end, Jacob Markstrom provides Calgary with steady and occasionally spectacular goaltending. Across 37 games played, he has posted a .914 save percentage – right in line with his career average. The imposing 6’6″ Swede moves well laterally for his size and uses his frame to take away the top halves of the net. This allows the Flames’ structured defense to clear away second chance opportunities. Overall, Markstrom matches up well with Pittsburgh’s shooting talents like Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds for the game remain TBD, insights or recommendations are contingent upon updates from bookmakers. However, considering the recent form and head-to-head statistics, it’s anticipated that the odds will closely reflect the competitive nature of both teams.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
The Penguins enter this contest struggling to find consistency, with a mediocre 2-3 straight up and against the spread record over their past five contests. This indicates they are playing just around .500 hockey recently and not dominating competition. However, historically Pittsburgh has found more success away from home, posting a solid 14-13 road ATS record this campaign. Backing the Pens to keep it close as short road underdogs could prove profitable.
Calgary Flames Betting Trends
Conversely, Calgary rides high on a five-game winning streak both outright and ATS heading into this showdown. They have clearly dominated opponents across this impressive sample size while also surpassing betting expectations. Despite chasing a playoff spot though, the Flames have posted a losing 16-14 home ATS record on the year. Perhaps oddsmakers have finally caught up in installing the red-hot Flames as substaintial favorites on their home ice.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Calgary Flames 3/2/24 Betting Picks
Considering the recent form, head-to-head matchups, and individual performances, this game promises to be a closely contested affair. The Flames’ current winning streak and home advantage could tilt the scales in their favor, but the Penguins’ experience and star power cannot be underestimated.
Given the trends and performance metrics, a slight edge might be given to the Flames, especially with their confidence at a season-high and playing in front of their home crowd. However, the Penguins’ ability to perform in crucial games makes them a dangerous opponent.
Premium top picks suggest that the total might stay under, considering both goaltenders’ form and the importance of the game potentially leading to a tighter, more defensive matchup.
Free Pick and Prediction: Calgary Flames 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 2