Pittsburgh Penguins (27-21-8) vs. Edmonton Oilers (35-20-2)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers 3/3/24 – The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday, March 3rd at Rogers Place. This inter-conference matchup features two talented yet inconsistent teams looking to gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the NHL regular season. Our NHL daily free picks analysis will examine key factors impacting this game.
The Penguins offense runs through veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Crosby has put up 32 goals and 30 assists for 62 points this season. Malkin has added 16 goals and 29 assists. However, beyond these two stars, depth scoring has been lacking. Jake Guentzel is the only other consistent offensive contributor but he is injured. He could take advantage of an Oilers defense that gives up the 8th most goals per game.
The Oilers offer the superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid has been otherworldly, racking up 22 goals and a staggering 72 assists for 94 points. Meanwhile, Draisaitl has contributed 29 goals and 44 assists. Zach Hyman has also impressed with his 40 goals. This offensive firepower should overwhelm a Penguins defense that lacks star power beyond Kris Letang. If the Oilers offense clicks, Pittsburgh will struggle to keep up.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers 3/3/24 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Rogers Place |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Tristan Jarry vs. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom
Tristan Jarry has played 39 games for the Penguins this season, amassing 17 wins, 17 losses and 4 overtime losses. He has a 2.57 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. Jarry will need to be sharp against an Oilers offense that features two of the top scorers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. If Jarry falters, Edmonton could light up the scoreboard.
Jacob Markstrom has suited up for 37 games for the Oilers, recording 20 wins and 15 losses. He owns a 2.56 goals against average along with a .914 save percentage. Markstrom provides stability in net, but he doesn’t often steal games for Edmonton. The Penguins offense led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin possesses enough skill to give Markstrom trouble if they are firing on all cylinders.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds and point spreads are yet to be determined, bettors and fans are keenly awaiting the lines to gauge the perceived outcomes. Insights and recommendations will heavily depend on these odds, reflecting the betting market’s view on the match-up’s dynamics.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
The Penguins have struggled lately, going 2-3 straight up and against the spread over their last five contests. Surprisingly, four of those five games finished under the projected total. However, Pittsburgh’s defense remains vulnerable, especially against elite offensive talent like McDavid and Draisaitl. Backing the over along with Edmonton’s moneyline could be wise wagers.
Edmonton Oilers Betting Trends
Like Pittsburgh, Edmonton has also gone 2-3 straight up and against the spread over its past five games. However, the Oilers have seen the over hit in two of those contests despite inconsistent defensive play. Edmonton allows the 8th most goals per game this season. Expect that trend to continue against a talented Penguins attack.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers 3/3/24 Betting Picks
In this inter-conference showdown, the Oilers simply have too much firepower for the visiting Penguins to overcome. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl should have their way against a Pittsburgh defense that has sprung leaks over the past month. Back Edmonton’s dynamic duo to lead the charge in an Oilers victory.
Edmonton’s moneyline odds remain tempting. The Oilers offensive capabilities coupled with home ice advantage provides solid value. Pittsburgh will make it close thanks to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but they lack the scoring depth to win this high-scoring affair. Our premium game analysis recommends riding McDavid and Draisaitl by taking the Oilers moneyline and backing the over when odds are available.
Free Pick and Prediction: Edmonton Oilers 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 3