Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby put on a show in Edmonton on Tuesday. What will he come up with for Thursday's encore in Calgary?
The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their trek through Western Canada with a stop at the Saddledome after pulling out a dramatic win in Edmonton. Sidney Crosby broke out with his first two goals of the season, including a breathtaking game-winner in overtime to down the Oilers. The Pens have now earned at least a point in each of their last five, while Calgary has dropped two of its last three and isn’t one bit happy about it.
Penguins vs Flames Betting Analysis
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 25 Oct 3:41am | PIT | -1.5 +260 | O +6.5 -105 |
| Closing 25 Oct 11:17pm | PIT | -1.5 +225 | U +6.5 -120 |
The Pittsburgh Penguins didn’t like last season’s early playoff exit at the time, but it looks as though the early summer (by their standards) has helped them get off to a strong start. They’re 4-1-1-1 so far and are coming off mettle-testing victory against the Oilers in Edmonton, but as good as they’ve been, they’re a hard team to support on the puckline. Penguins bettors are down a little more than two units already with their club covering the puckline just twice in seven games.
Calgary’s play has been more of a lukewarm variety than a roaring flame as the club has lost two of its last three and heads into Thursday’s game at 5-4-0. This matchup will be a litmus test for the Flames and one that they’ll want to pass with games against the Washington Capitals and upstart Toronto Maple Leafs coming up next on the schedule.
Pittsburgh Penguins
It was only a matter of time until Crosby found the back of the net and it was no surprise that he did just that and took over Tuesday’s game when he and Connor McDavid shared the same ice. Crosby has two goals and five assists in seven games while his so-called supporting cast has held the lead role when it comes to scoring. Evgeni Malkin tops the team in scoring with 13 points, followed by 10 from Phil Kessel and nine from Kris Letang. Scoring usually isn’t a problem for this squad as Pittsburgh averages 3.7 goals per game (fourth in the NHL), but defence and goaltending could be a concern moving forward.
The Penguins allow 36 shots per game and Matt Murray owns a 3.95 goals against average with a .893 save percentage. He’ll need to be better than that if Pittsburgh wants to keep piling up points.
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Penguins Team Leaders
| Points |
100 |
| + / - |
31 |
| Shots |
227 |
| Penalty Mins |
89 |
| Wins |
29 |
| GAA |
2.69 |
| Points |
99 |
| + / - |
39 |
| Shots |
245 |
| Penalty Mins |
93 |
| Wins |
27 |
| GAA |
2.61 |
| Points |
3 |
| + / - |
1 |
| Shots |
15 |
| Penalty Mins |
8 |
| Wins |
0 |
| GAA |
3.02 |
| Points |
5 |
| + / - |
1 |
| Shots |
17 |
| Penalty Mins |
18 |
| Wins |
1 |
| GAA |
3.2 |
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames held a players-only meeting after Tuesday’s 3-2 loss in Montreal. Goaltender David Rittich made 37 saves in a losing effort and held Calgary in the game until Montreal finally broke through late in the second period.
“That’s an embarrassing effort. That’s a bad way to play,” Matthew Tkachuk told reporters. “We leave our goalie out to dry for the whole game. I mean, he’s not God in there. You can’t stop everything. At one point, they’re going to go in.” That’s a good bet with the Penguins in town if the Flames can’t shore up their defence. Calgary has allowed 85 shots combined in the last two games.
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Flames Team Leaders
| Points |
100 |
| + / - |
31 |
| Shots |
227 |
| Penalty Mins |
89 |
| Wins |
29 |
| GAA |
2.69 |
| Points |
99 |
| + / - |
39 |
| Shots |
245 |
| Penalty Mins |
93 |
| Wins |
27 |
| GAA |
2.61 |
| Points |
3 |
| + / - |
1 |
| Shots |
15 |
| Penalty Mins |
8 |
| Wins |
0 |
| GAA |
3.02 |
| Points |
5 |
| + / - |
1 |
| Shots |
17 |
| Penalty Mins |
18 |
| Wins |
1 |
| GAA |
3.2 |
Injuries
Jared McCann (C)
Erik Gudbranson (D)
Brian Dumoulin (D)
Evgeni Malkin (C)
Zach Aston-Reese (LW)
Zach Trotman (D)
Patric Hornqvist (RW)
Chad Ruhwedel (D)
Bryan Rust (RW)
Brian Dumoulin (D)
David Rittich (G)
Matthew Tkachuk (LW)
Sean Monahan (C)
TJ Brodie (D)
Mark Giordano (D)
Travis Hamonic (D)
Noah Hanifin (D)
Elias Lindholm (C)
Sean Monahan (C)
Sam Bennett (C)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared McCann (C) | Prob Sun | Upper Body - 12 / 04 / 19 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
McCann missed the previous game with an upper-body injury but it is likely he will play against the Islanders in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Erik Gudbranson (D) | Ques Fri | Lower Body - 10 / 04 / 19 | 1-3 | 2-2 | + - |
|
Gudbranson sustained a lower-body injury and it is unclear if he will face the Islanders in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Brian Dumoulin (D) | Ques Wed | Lower Body - 02 / 04 / 19 | 3-4 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Dumolin has sat out the last three games of the regular season with a lower-body injury and it is unknown if he will return for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Islanders. |
|||||
| Evgeni Malkin (C) | Prob Thurs | Upper Body - 17 / 03 / 19 | 7-7 | 3-10-1 | + - |
|
Malkin is sidelined due to an upper-body injury but is projected to return to action Thursday against the Red Wings. |
|||||
| Zach Aston-Reese (LW) | Ques Wed | Lower Body - 10 / 03 / 19 | 10-8 | 4-13-1 | + - |
|
Aston-Reese has been out of commission with an injury to his lower body and it is unclear if he will suit up against the Islanders in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Zach Trotman (D) | Ques Sat | Upper Body - 07 / 03 / 19 | 11-9 | 4-15-1 | + - |
|
Trotman left the previous game due to an upper-body injury and it is uncertain if he will be out of commission Saturday against the Blue Jackets. |
|||||
| Patric Hornqvist (RW) | Ques Thurs | Undisclosed - 06 / 03 / 19 | 11-9 | 4-15-1 | + - |
|
Hornqvist missed practice as he took a maintenance day and it has yet to be determined if he will be in Thursday's lineup against the Blue Jackets. |
|||||
| Chad Ruhwedel (D) | Ques Thurs | Arm - 26 / 02 / 19 | 13-11 | 7-16-1 | + - |
|
Ruhwedel has been held out of action due to a right arm injury and it is uncertain return to the lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round with the Islanders. |
|||||
| Bryan Rust (RW) | Ques Sun | Lower Body - 26 / 02 / 19 | 13-11 | 7-16-1 | + - |
|
Rust has been held out action with a lower-body injury and it is undetermined if he will return to the lineup against the Flyers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Brian Dumoulin (D) | Ques Tues | Concussion - 24 / 02 / 19 | 13-12 | 7-17-1 | + - |
|
Dumoulin was held out of the last two games with a concussion and it is unknown if he will be cleared in time for Tuesday's clash with the Panthers. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Rittich (G) | Doub Thurs | Rest - 11 / 04 / 19 | 1-4 | 1-4 | + - |
|
Rittich is unlikely to participate in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Avalanche as he is to be rested. |
|||||
| Matthew Tkachuk (LW) | Out Sat | Rest - 06 / 04 / 19 | 1-5 | 1-5 | + - |
|
Tkachuk will not play in Saturday's game against the Oilers as he will be rested ahead of the playoffs. |
|||||
| Sean Monahan (C) | Prob Wed | Illness - 05 / 04 / 19 | 1-5 | 1-5 | + - |
|
Monahan missed the regular season finale due to illness but it is not expected to impede his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Avalanche. |
|||||
| TJ Brodie (D) | Out Wed | Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 | 2-5 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Brodie is unlikely to take part in Wednesday's game against the Ducks due to a day of rest. |
|||||
| Mark Giordano (D) | Out Wed | Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 | 2-5 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Giordano will be given the night off to rest and will not play Wednesday against the Ducks. |
|||||
| Travis Hamonic (D) | Out Wed | Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 | 2-5 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Hamonic will not suit up against the Ducks on Wednesday as he is to be rested. |
|||||
| Noah Hanifin (D) | Out Wed | Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 | 2-5 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Hanifin will be the recipient of a day of rest and is not expected to be available against the Ducks on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Elias Lindholm (C) | Out Wed | Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 | 2-5 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Lindholm will not partake in Wednesday's tilt versus the Ducks so he can be given the night off to rest. |
|||||
| Sean Monahan (C) | Out Wed | Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 | 2-5 | 2-5 | + - |
|
Monahan is unlikely to participate in Wednesday's matchup with the Ducks due to a day of rest. |
|||||
| Sam Bennett (C) | Prob Wed | Upper Body - 02 / 04 / 19 | 3-5 | 3-5 | + - |
|
Bennett has been held out of the last two games of the regular season with an upper-body injury. His availability against the Avalanche for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round is likely. |
|||||
Penguins vs. Flames Prediction
-
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
4 -
CALGARY FLAMES
3
Score
Prediction
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 25 Oct 3:41am PIT -1.5 +260 O +6.5 -105 Closing 25 Oct 11:17pm PIT -1.5 +225 U +6.5 -120 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Penguins Team Leaders
Points 100
+ / - 31
Shots 227
Penalty Mins 89
Wins 29
GAA 2.69
Points 99
+ / - 39
Shots 245
Penalty Mins 93
Wins 27
GAA 2.61
Points 3
+ / - 1
Shots 15
Penalty Mins 8
Wins 0
GAA 3.02
Points 5
+ / - 1
Shots 17
Penalty Mins 18
Wins 1
GAA 3.2
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Flames Team Leaders
Points 100
+ / - 31
Shots 227
Penalty Mins 89
Wins 29
GAA 2.69
Points 99
+ / - 39
Shots 245
Penalty Mins 93
Wins 27
GAA 2.61
Points 3
+ / - 1
Shots 15
Penalty Mins 8
Wins 0
GAA 3.02
Points 5
+ / - 1
Shots 17
Penalty Mins 18
Wins 1
GAA 3.2
-
Injuries
Jared McCann (C)
Prob Sun Upper Body - 12 / 04 / 19Erik Gudbranson (D)
Ques Fri Lower Body - 10 / 04 / 19Brian Dumoulin (D)
Ques Wed Lower Body - 02 / 04 / 19Evgeni Malkin (C)
Prob Thurs Upper Body - 17 / 03 / 19Zach Aston-Reese (LW)
Ques Wed Lower Body - 10 / 03 / 19Zach Trotman (D)
Ques Sat Upper Body - 07 / 03 / 19Patric Hornqvist (RW)
Ques Thurs Undisclosed - 06 / 03 / 19Chad Ruhwedel (D)
Ques Thurs Arm - 26 / 02 / 19Bryan Rust (RW)
Ques Sun Lower Body - 26 / 02 / 19Brian Dumoulin (D)
Ques Tues Concussion - 24 / 02 / 19David Rittich (G)
Doub Thurs Rest - 11 / 04 / 19Matthew Tkachuk (LW)
Out Sat Rest - 06 / 04 / 19Sean Monahan (C)
Prob Wed Illness - 05 / 04 / 19TJ Brodie (D)
Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19Mark Giordano (D)
Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19Travis Hamonic (D)
Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19Noah Hanifin (D)
Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19Elias Lindholm (C)
Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19Sean Monahan (C)
Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19Sam Bennett (C)
Prob Wed Upper Body - 02 / 04 / 19Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jared McCann (C) Prob Sun Upper Body - 12 / 04 / 19 1-2 1-2 + - McCann missed the previous game with an upper-body injury but it is likely he will play against the Islanders in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Erik Gudbranson (D) Ques Fri Lower Body - 10 / 04 / 19 1-3 2-2 + - Gudbranson sustained a lower-body injury and it is unclear if he will face the Islanders in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Brian Dumoulin (D) Ques Wed Lower Body - 02 / 04 / 19 3-4 2-5 + - Dumolin has sat out the last three games of the regular season with a lower-body injury and it is unknown if he will return for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Islanders.
Evgeni Malkin (C) Prob Thurs Upper Body - 17 / 03 / 19 7-7 3-10-1 + - Malkin is sidelined due to an upper-body injury but is projected to return to action Thursday against the Red Wings.
Zach Aston-Reese (LW) Ques Wed Lower Body - 10 / 03 / 19 10-8 4-13-1 + - Aston-Reese has been out of commission with an injury to his lower body and it is unclear if he will suit up against the Islanders in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Zach Trotman (D) Ques Sat Upper Body - 07 / 03 / 19 11-9 4-15-1 + - Trotman left the previous game due to an upper-body injury and it is uncertain if he will be out of commission Saturday against the Blue Jackets.
Patric Hornqvist (RW) Ques Thurs Undisclosed - 06 / 03 / 19 11-9 4-15-1 + - Hornqvist missed practice as he took a maintenance day and it has yet to be determined if he will be in Thursday's lineup against the Blue Jackets.
Chad Ruhwedel (D) Ques Thurs Arm - 26 / 02 / 19 13-11 7-16-1 + - Ruhwedel has been held out of action due to a right arm injury and it is uncertain return to the lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round with the Islanders.
Bryan Rust (RW) Ques Sun Lower Body - 26 / 02 / 19 13-11 7-16-1 + - Rust has been held out action with a lower-body injury and it is undetermined if he will return to the lineup against the Flyers on Sunday.
Brian Dumoulin (D) Ques Tues Concussion - 24 / 02 / 19 13-12 7-17-1 + - Dumoulin was held out of the last two games with a concussion and it is unknown if he will be cleared in time for Tuesday's clash with the Panthers.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes David Rittich (G) Doub Thurs Rest - 11 / 04 / 19 1-4 1-4 + - Rittich is unlikely to participate in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Avalanche as he is to be rested.
Matthew Tkachuk (LW) Out Sat Rest - 06 / 04 / 19 1-5 1-5 + - Tkachuk will not play in Saturday's game against the Oilers as he will be rested ahead of the playoffs.
Sean Monahan (C) Prob Wed Illness - 05 / 04 / 19 1-5 1-5 + - Monahan missed the regular season finale due to illness but it is not expected to impede his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Avalanche.
TJ Brodie (D) Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 2-5 2-5 + - Brodie is unlikely to take part in Wednesday's game against the Ducks due to a day of rest.
Mark Giordano (D) Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 2-5 2-5 + - Giordano will be given the night off to rest and will not play Wednesday against the Ducks.
Travis Hamonic (D) Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 2-5 2-5 + - Hamonic will not suit up against the Ducks on Wednesday as he is to be rested.
Noah Hanifin (D) Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 2-5 2-5 + - Hanifin will be the recipient of a day of rest and is not expected to be available against the Ducks on Wednesday.
Elias Lindholm (C) Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 2-5 2-5 + - Lindholm will not partake in Wednesday's tilt versus the Ducks so he can be given the night off to rest.
Sean Monahan (C) Out Wed Rest - 03 / 04 / 19 2-5 2-5 + - Monahan is unlikely to participate in Wednesday's matchup with the Ducks due to a day of rest.
Sam Bennett (C) Prob Wed Upper Body - 02 / 04 / 19 3-5 3-5 + - Bennett has been held out of the last two games of the regular season with an upper-body injury. His availability against the Avalanche for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round is likely.