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Fri, Jan 30 · 12:00 AM UTC · PPG Paints Arena
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Thu, Jan 29 · 4:50 PM UTC
Summary

The Pittsburgh Penguins enter their home matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks as a red-hot team, boasting an 11-2-2 record since Christmas and a dominant head-to-head history, including a recent 7-3 victory. Despite significant injury concerns for key players like Bryan Rust and potentially Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh's strong home form and goaltender Stuart Skinner's perfect career record against Chicago position them as favorites in what is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair featuring the Crosby-Bedard matchup.

Key Points
  • Pittsburgh is on a hot streak, securing points in 13 of their last 15 games (11-2-2) and holding a strong 7-1-1 home record, making them the favored team.
  • The Penguins face significant injury challenges with Bryan Rust suspended, Jack St. Ivany out, and Evgeni Malkin questionable, potentially impacting their offensive depth.
  • Pittsburgh has dominated recent meetings, including a 7-3 win, and goaltender Stuart Skinner holds a perfect 5-0-0 career record against Chicago, giving the Penguins a strong goaltending edge.
  • The game is projected to be high-scoring (O/U 6.5 goals), fueled by Pittsburgh's strong offense and Chicago's desire for revenge, all while showcasing the generational talent matchup between Sidney Crosby and Connor Bedard.
  • While Pittsburgh boasts a strong power play (3rd in NHL at 28%), Chicago counters with an elite penalty kill (85.5%), suggesting a balanced, strength-on-strength battle in special teams.
Team Form
Pittsburgh
Record11-2-2
Last 5Strong recent form
StreakPoints in 13 of last 15 games
HomeHome: 7-1-1
hot
VS
Opponent Team
Record8-5-2
Last 5W-L-W-L-W
StreakWon 1
AwayAway: 3-3-1
average

Pittsburgh has shown strong recent form, securing points in 13 of their last 15 games, indicating a hot streak. Their home record is also solid. The opponent team has an average form, making Pittsburgh the favored team in this matchup.

Injury Report
Pittsburgh high impact
  • Bryan Rust out Suspension (Illegal Check to the Head)
  • Jack St. Ivany out Hand surgery
  • Evgeni Malkin questionable Undisclosed
Chicago low impact
No significant injuries

The Pittsburgh Penguins are significantly impacted by player absences, with key forward Bryan Rust serving a suspension, defenseman Jack St. Ivany out for an extended period due to hand surgery, and superstar Evgeni Malkin listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury. The Chicago Blackhawks, conversely, have no relevant NHL injuries reported for this game, indicating a low impact from injuries.

Head-to-Head
Recent Meetings 1-0 favoring Pittsburgh Penguins
Trend Pittsburgh won the most recent game against Chicago (7-3 on December 28). Additionally, Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner holds a perfect 5-0-0 career record against the Blackhawks.

Based on the recent 7-3 victory and goaltender Stuart Skinner's undefeated career record against Chicago, the Pittsburgh Penguins appear to dominate this matchup.

Betting Lines
Spread Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (+122) / Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-150)
Total 6.5 (Over +110 / Under -134)
Moneyline Pittsburgh Penguins -192 / Chicago Blackhawks +158
Movement Not available

Not available

Prediction
Pittsburgh Penguins
high confidence

Pittsburgh's exceptional recent form, strong home record, and historical dominance over Chicago, highlighted by Stuart Skinner's perfect 5-0-0 career record against the Blackhawks, provide a compelling case. While key injuries are a concern, the overall team momentum, head-to-head trends, and the expectation of a high-scoring game favor the Penguins.