Penguins vs. Ducks Odds
| Penguins Odds | -165 |
| Ducks Odds | +145 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 |
| Time | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Pittsburgh Penguins had their 10-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the Dallas Stars on Saturday, but that was just a mere blip during what's been an incredible run from the Penguins over the past three months. Pittsburgh is second in the NHL in points percentage since Dec. 1 and has climbed into contention for the Metro Division crown thanks to a 16-6-3 run over its last 25 games.
What's even more impressive is that the Penguins have done all of this despite a litany of injury issues to key players like Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin.
Malkin a gametime decision to make his season debut on Tuesday night against Anaheim.
The Penguins Have Played Like Cup Contenders
Despite the loss to the Stars on Saturday, the Penguins remain one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now. Both at a team level — where the Penguins rank second in the league with a 56.1% expected goals rate — and an individual level where players like Evan Rodrigues, Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby are each having superb seasons.
But perhaps the most important development for the Penguins is the bounce-back season from Tristan Jarry. It's not hyperbolic to say that Jarry has played his way into the Vezina conversation with a +13.9 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) and a .931 save percentage in 27 games this season. Very few folks had Jarry pegged for big things after struggling through 2020/21 and capitulating in the playoffs, but he's arguably been the team's best player.
And a quick note, if you're into betting first period markets, is that the Pens have scored five goals in the first period over their last three games.
Can the Ducks Hang in for the Long Haul?
The Anaheim Ducks are one of the great stories in the NHL this season, but as the odds suggest, this is an uphill battle for this young team. Not only are the Penguins in terrific form, but the Ducks will likely be without Hampus Lindholm, Adam Henrique and No. 1 goaltender John Gibson on Tuesday night.
With Gibson unavailable, Dallas Eakins will likely tap Anthony Stolarz to start against the Penguins. Stolarz has been terrific as Gibson's deputy this season, skating to a 6-3-1 record with a .931 SV% and a +2.6 GSAx.
Thanks to the emergence of young stars like Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry, the Ducks have grown into a capable offensive team this season. Anaheim ranks 12th in the NHL with 11.36 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, which is an impressive mark considering where we expected this team to be before the season began. However, the Ducks will be up against one of the league's best defensive teams on Tuesday night.
The Ducks have done a solid job at creating chances at even strength, currently ranking 12th with 11.36 high-danger chances per game, but it won't be easy for them tonight against Pittsburgh.
Penguins vs. Ducks Pick
As good as the Ducks have been all year, I think this may be too big of a challenge for them tonight, especially without one of their top defenseman in Lindholm and their starting goalie in John Gibson.
Anaheim's ability to create offense is its biggest strength this season, but Pittsburgh is well-equipped to handle an attack like this, so I think we're looking at a tough matchup for the Ducks.
Pick: Penguins to win in regulation (-110)
