We have your Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Pittsburgh Penguins hit the road to face the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Pittsburgh Penguins (11-10-3) are set to clash with the Tampa Bay Lightning (11-10-5) in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders. As both teams hover around the .500 mark, this matchup at Amalie Arena could be a pivotal moment to gain momentum in the standings.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Odds Info
Moneyline: Pittsburgh Penguins +114 (DraftKings) / Tampa Bay Lightning -135 (DraftKings)
Puck Line: -1.5 – Pittsburgh Penguins -220 (BetRivers) / Tampa Bay Lightning +175 (BetRivers)
Total: 6.5 – -110 (BetMGM) / -110 (BetMGM)
Game Info
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 06
Time: 07:00 PM
Location: Amalie Arena – Tampa, FL
TV: ESPN+
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
- This season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have hit 9 overs and 15 unders.
- On the road this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have hit 4 overs and 8 unders.
- As the underdog this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have hit 2 overs and 6 unders.
Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Trends
- This season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have hit 14 overs and 12 unders.
- At home this season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have hit 7 overs and 6 unders.
- As the favorite this season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have hit 6 overs and 7 unders.
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the last two seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning have faced off four times, with the Penguins emerging victorious in each encounter. These matchups occurred between October 2022 and November 2023, showcasing a consistent performance by the Penguins whether playing at home or away. In terms of betting statistics, Pittsburgh not only won all four games but also covered the spread each time, indicating their ability to outperform expectations. The Lightning, on the other hand, failed to cover the spread in any of the meetings. When it comes to the total score, bettors favoring the ‘Over’ would have been satisfied in three out of the four games, with only the most recent game resulting in an ‘Under’. The games have been characterized by a mix of both high-scoring affairs and tighter contests, with the total score ranging from 6 to 10 goals across the four games. The Penguins have demonstrated a strong offensive presence, particularly in the game on February 26, 2023, where they scored a remarkable 7 goals. On the defensive end, both teams have had varied performances, but Pittsburgh’s goaltenders have consistently outperformed their Lightning counterparts, contributing to their series of wins.
The most recent game between the two teams took place on November 30, 2023, and ended with a 4-2 victory for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins managed to overcome an early 2-0 deficit after the first period, showcasing resilience and a strong comeback spirit. Sidney Crosby and Drew O’Connor were instrumental in tying the game in the second period, with Jeff Carter scoring the go-ahead goal in the third. The Penguins’ goaltender, Tristan Jarry, capped off the win with an empty-net goal, an unusual feat for a goaltender. Pittsburgh’s penalty kill was effective, neutralizing both of Tampa Bay’s power play opportunities. Additionally, the Penguins excelled in the faceoff circle, winning 62.2% of faceoffs, which likely contributed to their control of the game. The Penguins’ ability to block shots and execute on scoring opportunities, despite being outshot 41 to 28, was a key factor in their victory. Tampa Bay’s goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, faced fewer shots but allowed more goals, ending the game with a save percentage of 0.893 compared to Jarry’s 0.951.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Predictions
The Penguins and Lightning find themselves in a crucial juncture of their seasons, with both teams seeking consistency and a push up the conference ladder. Pittsburgh enters the game on a two-game losing streak, looking to rediscover the form that has seen them dominate recent head-to-head matchups against Tampa Bay. The Lightning, on the other hand, are coming off a win and aiming to build a streak of their own. Both teams have shown they can score, with Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel leading his team in points (28) and Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov notching an impressive 42 points to lead the Lightning.
Defensively, both teams have had their struggles, but Tampa Bay’s recent shutout victory suggests they may be finding their footing. The Penguins will need to be wary of the Lightning’s power play, as Kucherov’s playmaking abilities make him a constant threat. On the flip side, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins have the offensive firepower to challenge any team, and their special teams play could be the difference-maker. This game could come down to goaltending, with both teams looking for a strong performance between the pipes to secure the win.
The key player matchup to watch will be between the Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby and the Lightning’s top scorer Nikita Kucherov. Both players are pivotal to their team’s success and have the ability to change the game’s outcome with their play. As the teams prepare to face off, fans can expect a tightly contested game with playoff implications, making this an unmissable event for hockey enthusiasts.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Pick
The pick for the upcoming game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning is ‘Under’. This selection is based on the recent trends of both teams and the historic head-to-head data. The Penguins have hit the under in 15 of their 24 games this season, with a particularly strong trend towards the under on the road, where they have hit 4 unders and 8 overs. Similarly, the Lightning have also leaned towards the under at home, with 6 unders and 7 overs. Moreover, the most recent game between these two teams resulted in an ‘Under’, indicating a potential continuation of this trend.
Despite the offensive talents on both sides, such as Sidney Crosby for the Penguins and Nikita Kucherov for the Lightning, both teams have shown inconsistencies in their scoring this season. Additionally, both goaltenders, Tristan Jarry for the Penguins and Andrei Vasilevskiy for the Lightning, have the capability to put up strong performances, which could limit the number of goals scored. Considering these factors, along with the current odds and the high total line set at 6.5, the ‘Under’ appears to be the more compelling pick for this matchup.
The Pick: Under 6.5 -110 (BetMGM)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Player Prop Picks
Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.
Pittsburgh Penguins
| Player Name | Prop | Line | Over Rate | Over Odds | Under Odds | Last 10 Average | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reilly Smith | Shots On Goal | 1.5 | 8/10 | -160 | +124 | 1.9 | 1.87 |
| Bryan Rust | Points | 0.5 | 7/10 | -135 | +105 | 0.9 | 0.86 |
| Jake Guentzel | Assists | 0.5 | 7/10 | -130 | +100 | 0.7 | 0.80 |
Tampa Bay Lightning
| Player Name | Prop | Line | Over Rate | Over Odds | Under Odds | Last 10 Average | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikita Kucherov | Shots On Goal | 4.5 | 7/10 | +105 | -135 | 5.5 | 5.52 |
| Victor Hedman | Points | 0.5 | 7/10 | -150 | +120 | 0.8 | 0.80 |
