Penguins vs Bruins Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight - NHL
The NHL-leading Boston Bruins will aim to pick up a fifth straight win when they welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins to TD Garden tonight. Pittsburgh has been on a hot streak of its own, going 7-1-2 in its last 10 games.
We could be poised for a low-scoring battle in this matchup as the Bruins (2.56 goals against per game) and Penguins (2.6) both rank within the Top 6 in team defense this season and neither club giving up much during their respective hot streaks. Still, the hometown Bruins are favored in the NHL odds.
Which team will find an offensive breakthrough tonight? Find out in our Penguins vs Bruins NHL picks and predictions for Thursday, January 4.
Penguins vs Bruins odds
Pet="">
Penguins vs Bruins predictions
The Boston Bruins skated to a fourth straight victory on Tuesday with another strong defensive effort as they defeated the Blue Jackets 4-1. Linus Ullmark was strong between the pipes as usual, stopping 26 of 27 shots, while James van Riemsdyk carried the offense with a goal and two helpers.
The B’s have held opponents to just seven total goals during their four-game win streak and will likely hand the net over to Jeremy Swayman against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Outside of a stumble against the Jets back on December 22, Swayman has been steady over the last month or so, holding opponents to two goals or fewer in six of his last eight appearances. His .928 save percentage is tied for second in the league among all netminders with at least five games played this season.
At the other end, the Pens have been even better defensively over their last four, allowing just six goals through that span. Tristan Jarry was pulled in Pittsburgh’s loss to Washington on Tuesday after allowing three goals on 15 shots so we could see Alex Nedeljkovic get the net tonight. He’s been strong since the start of December, posting a .916 SV% over eight appearances while allowing just one goal in three of his last four outings.
Assuming those strong goaltending trends continue for both teams, I like the Under on 6.0 total goals as my best bet in this matchup.
My best bet: Under 6 (-110 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Penguins vs Bruins same-game parlay
Under 6
Under 1.5 first-period goals
Bruins moneyline
Along with taking the Under on the game total, I’ll also take the Under on 1.5 in the opening frame as well as a Bruins win to round out tonight’s same-game parlay.
Both clubs have been slow starters in games this season with the Bruins (33) and Penguins (28) ranking within the Bottom 12 among all teams in first-period scoring.
I don’t expect Pittsburgh to be an easy out but Boston is at the top of the league standings for a reason and it’s hard not to like their chances in any given matchup. The B’s have also dominated the Penguins at home, winning 13 of their last 15 meetings at TD Garden.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best NHL bonuses
All Users
Get one no-sweat SGP every day
Bonus bets back if your wager doesn’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Get up to $1,500 bonus bets back
If your first bet doesn’t win! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Penguins vs Bruins moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Bruins opened as the clear home favorite tonight at -152 on the moneyline while the total opened at 6.0. This should be a close Game between two hot teams but I think the hosts are too good to deny, while strong defenses on both sides make the Under look apPetizing.
Pittsburgh has turned up the heat over the last three weeks with seven wins in 10 games but the Penguins haven’t necessarily been dominant in those contests. The Pens are dead even at 5-on-5 over that stretch, scoring 20 goals while also allowing 20.
And if the Penguins aren’t going to dominate at even strength, they’ll be hard-pressed to do much damage on special teams as their powerplay is operating at a lowly 13.9% this season — the seventh-worst mark in the NHL.
The Bruins, meanwhile, own the fourth-best power play at 27.5%, led by David Pastrnak, who’s scored seven of his 22 goals on the man advantage. Tight defensive games often come down to who can capitalize on the power play and you’ve got to give the B’s the edge there.
The Penguins have held opponents to two goals or fewer in four of their last six outings while the Bruins have done so in three of their last four, so we’re likely going to see a defensive battle tonight.
Tonight’s likely starters Swayman (.928 SV%) and Nedeljkovic (.924 SV%) both rank within the Top 6 in save percentage among goaltenders with at least 10 games played this season — another reason to like the Under.
Penguins vs Bruins betting trend to know
Boston is 9-4 in its last 13 home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Bruins.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Penguins vs Bruins game info
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Thursday, January 4, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
- NHL odds
- NHL picks
- NHL player props
- Stanley Cup odds
- Hart Trophy odds
- Best NHL betting sites
- Today’s NHL matchups
Penguins vs Bruins latest injuries
🕒Vermont: Sports betting is coming!🕒
Vermont Sports betting will launch on January 11 — but you can pre-register now with FanDuel and DraftKings!
Check out the best Vermont Sports betting apps (as more brands launch in the Green Mountain State), as well as the best Vermont Sportsbook promos!
21+ and present in VT. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
Comments
Post a Comment