NHL Betting Picks, Odds, And Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ quest for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division continues as they are scheduled to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday for the first of a home-and-home battle. The Penguins are separated from the Washington Capitals, who just lost to the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday, by just a single difference in wins and points, respectively. They are currently fourth overall in the standings holding a 36-15-6 record and looking to grab their third straight victory.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs logged in a below .500 tally in their last eight games, winning only three. It was a significant hit in their overall place in the Atlantic Division as the Florida Panthers are now starting to send smoke signals to snatch their playoff spot, trailing them by just two points, 70-68. Zach Hyman, though, is a bright spot amidst the struggles facing Toronto. He has not skipped a beat since the All-Star break, pouring in 12 points on six goals and six assists, with seven points (four goals, three assists) notched during his running six-game point streak.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby has completely gone en fuego since his return from his core muscle injury, putting the Penguins in the best position to steal the rule in the Metropolitan. The Pittsburgh star captain has collected 19 points in 12 twelve games since the surgery, accounting for six goals and 13 assists to make up the said total. The team’s outstanding power play has been on full display as well as they scored in each over the last four games, helping them improve to 11-3-1 over the last six weeks.

Odds and Trends

The Penguins will begin their short series with the Maple Leafs as favorites at home according to the updated NHL Betting Lines, pegged at -135 to win while the visitors are given a spare value at +115 as underdogs.

The Maple Leafs are 5-0 in their last 5 Tuesday games and 5-2 in their last 7 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game.

The Penguins are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game and 4-1 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Over is 5-0 in Maple Leafs last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game and 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Under is 4-0 in Maple Leafs last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game and 5-0-1 in Penguins last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Prediction

Penguins win, 4-3