Penguins vs Bruins, Odds, Picks, and How to Watch
- The Boston Bruins are -137 favorites over the Pittsburgh Penguins in NHL action on Tuesday
- NHL record 2-1, +0.60 units won
- Boston has won eight straight home games over Pittsburgh dating back to 2014
The Pittsburgh Penguins are rolling along on a four-game winning streak as they arrive in Boston to face the Bruins on Tuesday. However, the Pens are also in the midst of an eight-game skid when it comes to games played at Boston’s TD Garden.
Not since a 3-2 overtime verdict on Nov. 24th, 2014 has Pittsburgh skated off the ice with the two points in a road game against the Bruins. The Penguins lost twice at Boston last season – a 4-1 setback on Jan. 16th. 2020 and a 6-4 defeat on Nov. 4, 2019.
The Bruins are 12-1 in their last 13 home games against the Penguins. No wonder then that Boston should be the -137 favorite in this game.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Boston Bruins Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Puckline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +117 | +1.5 (-220) | O 5.5 (-125) |
| Boston Bruins | -137 | -1.5 (+180) | U 5.5 (+104) |
Odds taken Jan. 25th at DraftKings.
The puck drops at 7 PM EST for Tuesday’s game. The game is being broadcast regionally by AT&T SportsNet in Pittsburgh and NESN in Boston.
The same two teams meet again Thursday in Boston.
Bruins Also Flying
The Bruins’ power play went 3-for-4 in Saturday’s 6-1 drubbing of the Philadelphia Flyers. They’ve won two in a row, scoring 11 goals in the process.
Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each scored twice in the win, but it was the performance of some of Boston’s younger players that sparked optimism.
#NHLBruins updates per Bruce Cassidy:
"Good news" on Pasta. Unlikely to play against Pens, but will travel this weekend.
Maintenance day for Bergy. Expected to play Tuesday.
Grizzy feeling better, has a chance to play tomorrow.
No changes on Ondrej Kase. He's out vs. PIT. pic.twitter.com/51bWDQ6xDv
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 25, 2021
Rookie Trent Frederic and Jacob Zboril each collected their first NHL point in the win.
That followed the first NHL goal by rookie forward Jack Studnicka in Thursday’s 5-4 shootout win over Philly.
Penguins Wearing Rally Caps
Winning is wonderful, but all NHL coaches will tell you that eventually, playing catch-up hockey will catch up with a team. During its win streak, Pittsburgh has surrendered the first goal in all four games and trailed well into every contest before rallying.
THE COMEBACK KIDS DO IT AGAIN!
The Penguins have won four straight at home! pic.twitter.com/UEvcocGg4U
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 25, 2021
The Pens were down 2-1 and 3-2 to Washington, winning a 4-3 shootout. Their only lead of the rematch with the Caps was the overtime winner in a 5-4 verdict.
Against the Rangers, Pittsburgh trailed 3-1 but won a 4-3 shootout. Sunday, New York led 2-1 before succumbing 3-2.
Injury Report
Boston forward David Pastrnak (hip surgery) wore a regular jersey in practice Monday. He’s not expected back until the weekend, though.
The Bruins are without defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (undisclosed) and John Moore (lower-body). There’s a chance Grzelcyk could play Tuesday. Forward Ondrej Kase (upper body) is listed as day-to-day.
Pittsburgh forward Evan Rodrigues left Sunday’s win over the New York Rangers following a collision with Rangers forward Filip Chytil. He’s out long-term with a lower-body injury.
We’ve got a jersey swap.#NHLBruins | @pastrnak96 pic.twitter.com/uMTEvZXOIK
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 25, 2021
At practice on Monday, both Sam Lafferty and Drew O’Connor from the taxi squad took turns skating with the top 12 forwards.
The Penguins are still missing forward Kasperi Kapanen. He’s out while dealing with quarantine health protocols due to COVID-19.
Trendspotting
Penguins second-line center Evgeni Malkin skated just 14:23 of ice time on 23 shifts Sunday against the Rangers. Other than games when he’s suffered an injury, that’s the third-lowest single-game ice time total of his NHL career.
In six games this season, the former Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner has accounted for one goal, a power-play tally, and a secondary assist.
Quick thoughts:
• Crosby was great tonight
• Jarry too
• Letang made a great play on GWG. Can’t teach that
• Rust could have had three goals
• Ceci had a rough night
• Malkin has never looked so slow
• Four wins in a row is great, but the Pens still don’t look right— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) January 25, 2021
Penguins forward Jake Guentzel scored his 100th NHL goal Sunday against the Rangers. Pittsburgh forward Bryan Rust (2-2-4) has authored a five-game point streak. All four Penguins wins during their current streak came on home ice.
Bruins captain Bergeron (maintenance day) didn’t participate in Monday’s practice.
Pick: Boston Bruins (-137) – 1.0 unit
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
