New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction, 12/29/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Date: Sunday, December 29, 2024

Location: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA

TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Odds/Point Spread: Islanders (+132) Penguins (-160)

The New York Islanders (13-15-7) are hitting the road to PPG Paints Arena on Sunday where they will play the Pittsburgh Penguins (16-15-5). The odds on this game have New York at +132 and Pittsburgh opens at -160. The over/under is set at 6.5.

The New York Islanders had a rough game after their 7-1 loss to the Sabres in the last game they played. New York had 12 penalty minutes for this contest. The Islanders had an offensive game that was below their expectations in the defeat. They also had 1 power play opportunity but weren't able to convert it into a goal. For the matchup, they converted 1 of the 28 shots they launched.

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New York Islanders opponents have tallied 73 power play tries (31st in the NHL) and have tallied 26 goals in those attempts. The Islanders so far have had 997 shots taken against them and have earned a save percentage of .888. New York has taken 993 shots and holds a shooting percentage of 9.2%. While playing at even strength, the Islanders have allowed 86 goals while notching 80 on the offensive side of the ice. New York has accumulated 92 power play chances and they have notched 11 goals during those advantages, giving them a percentage of 11.96%. For the year, they have earned 33 points and their points % is .471. When discussing their scoring capabilities, the New York Islanders have accumulated 91 goals (27th in the NHL) for the year and have given up 112.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be Ilya Sorokin. From the beginning of his pro career to now, Sorokin has earned 143 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .671. He has a save percentage of .917 during his 11,318 mins guarding the cage. Sorokin has had 6,573 shot attempts against him and has recorded 6,025 saves. Opponents have notched 548 goals versus Sorokin in his pro career and his goals against average per contest is 2.91. He has accumulated a win-loss mark of 105-76-34 and was named the starter in 213 games. Sorokin has been in net for 217 matchups during his professional hockey career.

In their last contest, Pittsburgh faced the Flyers in a game where the Penguins took home the win by a final of 7-3. The Penguins scored 7 goals of the 22 shots on goal they took. They had 3 power play attempts in this matchup and recorded 3 out of those opportunities.

On the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are sitting with 111 goals, 37 points, and a points percentage of .514. They have permitted 131 goals to be scored by of a combination of 113 goals at even strength and 18 goals while they were shorthanded. The Penguins are sitting with 86 goals at even strength and 25 goals (8th in hockey) while on the power play. They have a tally of 102 opportunities on the power play and they have earned a power play percentage of 24.51%. Pittsburgh has attempted 1,032 shots (7th in hockey) and has earned a shot percentage of 10.76%, while allowing the other team 1,135 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill rate of 82.35% on their oppositions 102 power play opportunities, and their save percentage currently sits at 88.5%.

Across the rink you are expected to see Tristan Jarry in the crease. Teams are averaging 2.91 goals/game and he has relinquished 703 goals overall. Jarry's quality start rate comes out to 59.5% and he has 156 quality starting assignments in his pro hockey career. He has made the start in 262 games and has played for a total of 14,498 minutes. Jarry has accumulated a lifetime mark of 144-90-27 and has participated in 273 games. He has recorded 7,112 stops out of 7,815 shots attempted, which gives him a save percentage of .910.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Guy's Pick: Take Pittsburgh (-160)

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