LiontipsDetroit vs Pittsburgh: NHL Match Preview and Betting Odds
Command Analysis
Current Form
The Detroit Red Wings came very close to making the playoffs last season, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference. This summer, the team saw the departure of several key players including forwards Vladimir Tarasenko, Robby Fabbri, Zach Aston-Reese, and Daniel Sprong, defenseman Shane Gostisbehere, and goaltender Michael Hutchinson. Nevertheless, the Wings' roster remains competitive.
In the fall, the Red Wings played eight matches. They opened the season with two victories against Chicago (4-2 and 2-0) but then exchanged away wins with Pittsburgh (2-1 and 1-5), lost to Ottawa (3-4 OT), and Buffalo (3-4 OT), and fell short twice against Toronto (2-3 and 0-2). Only three times did Dylan Larkin's team manage to score more than two goals in a game.
Disqualifications and Injuries
Jack Campbell sustained an injury in the preseason match against Buffalo and will miss the season opener.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Detroit averaged just 2.13 goals per game during the preseason
The Wings have struggled offensively this fall and have scored very few goals.
- The Red Wings allowed opponents over 30 shots on goal during September and October
Derek Lalonde's team has faced challenges defensively, yielding a high volume of attacks against their goaltenders.
Current Form
The Pittsburgh Penguins struggled last season, finishing tenth in the Eastern Conference and heading into an off-season of change. The Pennsylvania franchise is gradually entering a rebuilding phase, with management aware that it will soon be time to part ways with longtime stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and other key figures. During the summer, the team added forwards Kevin Hayes and Cody Glass and brought in promising goalie Sergey Murashov from Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. The Penguins parted ways with Jack Guentzel, Vince Hinostroza, and Michael Bunting.
The Penguins had a rough start to the new season. In the first period, Tristan Jarry found the back of the net three times, as the Rangers extended their lead throughout the game. Crosby and his teammates struggled offensively, failing to beat Igor Shesterkin, who stopped 29 shots directed at his net.
Injuries and Suspensions
Blake Liszt, Alex Nedeljkovic, Matt Nieto, and Bryan Rust are all in recovery from previous injuries.
Betting Trends of Note
- Pittsburgh blocked 20 shots in their season opener
Mike Sullivan's squad managed to block a significant number of shots from the Rangers, but it didn't lead to a victory.
- Sidney Crosby's team won just 47.5% of faceoffs in their first match
The visiting centers did not perform well in the faceoff circle last night.
Trends
Bet 1st Period: Total Over 1.5 Goals
In last season's three matchups, all first periods were high-scoring
1.62Bet 3rd Period: 'Detroit' to Score
In the last three games, 'Detroit' has scored against 'Pittsburgh' in the third periods
1.35Tip and bets
Pittsburgh was soundly defeated on home ice last night, so Sidney Crosby's team will arrive in Missouri with a renewed focus. Detroit's defense is not particularly strong, making their net vulnerable for scoring opportunities. The Red Wings lost several key offensive players during the offseason and did not significantly bolster their defense or goaltending. This fall, both teams exchanged away victories during preseason matches. We believe the Penguins will regroup after their setback and fight for points against the Red Wings. We recommend placing a wager on the double chance for the latter.
Our prediction is that Pittsburgh will not lose at 1.70
Betting on the Total
Preseason matches between these clubs have not been very high-scoring. However, last season saw these teams delivering thrilling games. Pittsburgh will push for a strong offense after a disappointing home game, and the home team has plenty of firepower to respond. We recommend betting on the total to exceed the predicted goal count.
Prediction - over six goals at 1.73
First Period Total Bet
In matchups between these teams, defense is rarely a priority. Both teams will aim to score right from the start. We believe this energy will lead to at least two goals in the first 20 minutes of play. A wager on the total exceeding goals scored in the opening period is advisable.
Prediction - over 1.5 goals in the first period at 1.62
