Penguins vs Bruins Prediction, Picks & Odds for Black Friday Hockey

• The Pittsburgh Penguins (8-12-4) visit the Boston Bruins (11-10-3) for a Black Friday showdown
• We’ve made our Penguins vs Bruins prediction for Friday, November 29, 2024
• Read below for Penguins vs Bruins prediction and odds for tonight’s early start on TNT

The Pittsburgh Penguins (8-12-4) head to TD Garden to battle the Boston Bruins (11-10-3) in a special Black Friday matchup on November 29, 2024. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 PM Eastern Time in Boston, with national coverage provided by TNT.

The Bruins enter as -170 home favorites, while the over/under is set at 5.5 goals. Can Boston continue its improved play under interim head coach Joe Sacco and take advantage of the Pens’ miserable defense?

Here is our Penguins vs Bruins prediction for Friday Night Hockey.

Penguins vs Bruins Prediction

Despite Pittsburgh’s recent 5-4 win over Vancouver, I’m rolling with the Bruins to take care of business on home ice. Boston has looked rejuvenated under Sacco, winning three of four while allowing just six total goals. The B’s have locked things down defensively, limiting both shots and quality chances.

That newfound defensive structure should help contain Pittsburgh’s dynamic duo of Sidney Crosby (23 points) and Evgeni Malkin (21 points). The Pens just can’t keep pucks out of their net lately, sitting dead last in the NHL at 3.96 goals against per game. The road has been especially cruel, with 4+ goals allowed in eight of 11 games.

Final from Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/1NXGOluXDq

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 24, 2024

The Bruins have flat-out owned this matchup recently, taking five of six while lighting the lamp at least four times in all but one of those games. Their big guns found their groove in Wednesday’s 6-3 win over the Islanders – Pastrnak dished three assists while Marchand and Zacha each buried a pair. That doesn’t bode well for a shaky Pens defense.

Between the pipes, both Swayman and Korpisalo have looked sharper than Pittsburgh’s struggling tandem of Jarry (.868 SV%) and Nedeljkovic (.877 SV%). Swayman has earned Sacco’s trust and should get the nod in this favorable matchup.

At home against a floundering Penguins squad that is just 3-6-2 on the road, the Bruins are well-positioned to earn a win in regulation. And despite the lower 5.5 total, don’t be surprised if this turns into a higher-scoring game given the defensive issues on both sides. Take Boston on the moneyline and lean to the Over.

Friday Hockey Picks:

• Bruins ML (-170 at Bet365)
• Over 5.5 Goals (-120)

Penguins vs Bruins Odds

The Bruins are solid -170 home favorites on the moneyline. This means a $170 bet on Boston would return a profit of $100 if they win. The Penguins are +145 underdogs, offering a potential return of $145 on a $100 wager.

Boston is +145 to cover the -1.5 puck line, while Pittsburgh is -170 to stay within 1.5 goals. A Bruins puck line bet would cash if they win by 2+ goals, while the Penguins +1.5 would hit if they win outright or lose by only one.

The total has ticked down to 5.5 goals, with the Over now juiced to -120 and the Under at even money (+100). Given the defensive issues on both sides, there is still value in backing the Over 5.5 at the current price.

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Odds as of November 29, 2024 at Bet365 Sportsbook.

PIT-BOS Head-to-Head History

The Bruins have had Pittsburgh’s number in recent meetings, winning five of the last six matchups dating back to 2022. During that span, the B’s have scored 4+ goals in five of those six contests.

Boston has also dominated the Pens at TD Garden, going 14-3 in its last 17 home games in this series. The Bruins’ speed, forechecking and offensive depth tends to give Pittsburgh fits, especially in the hostile confines of Beantown.

Expect emotions to run high with several rivalries and connections between these teams. Ex-Bruin Matt Grzelcyk makes his return to Boston for the first time since signing with Pittsburgh in the offseason. But the biggest spotlight will be on superstars Sidney Crosby and David Pastrnak as they try to ignite their struggling clubs.

While the Penguins got a much-needed win last game, don’t overreact to that result against a fragile Canucks squad. The Bruins are playing better hockey under their new bench boss and match up very well with Pittsburgh. Back the B’s to prevail on home ice in an entertaining affair that has a good shot of going Over the total.