NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Wings vs Penguins Picks and Predictions – Thursday January 1, 2026
Detroit heads into Pittsburgh for a Thursday night matchup at PPG Paints Arena on January 1 at 7:00 PM, streaming on ESPN+. The Red Wings are 24-14-3 and sitting on top of the Atlantic, while the Penguins are 17-12-9 and trying to keep pace in a crowded Metro.
This market is tight for a reason. Detroit has been the more consistent team over the full season, but Pittsburgh is priced as a small home favorite and they’re capable of scoring in bunches when the power play gets rolling. If you’re betting this one, you’re mostly choosing which team’s strengths show up more: Detroit’s defensive commitment and structure, or Pittsburgh’s special teams and high-end shot creation.
Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should monitor updated NHL odds as goalie confirmations and late lineup news can move a short moneyline quickly.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Red Wings | +106 | Not listed | 6.0 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | -126 | Not listed | 6.0 |
Detroit Red Wings Betting Form
Detroit’s win over Winnipeg, 2-1, is exactly the kind of result that travels. They defended, they blocked shots, and they did not get dragged into an open-ice game. That’s been a big part of their identity this season. The Red Wings lead the league in blocks, and while blocks can be noisy game to game, over a long sample it usually points to a team that is committed to its structure and willing to win without chasing offense.
From a betting perspective, Detroit as a small dog makes sense when their defense can compress the game. If they keep Pittsburgh’s rush chances down and force everything to the outside, the moneyline becomes live because a 2-2 game late is a great position for an underdog. The risk is that Detroit’s style can invite extended zone time against a team that cycles well, and one bad penalty can undo 10 minutes of clean work.
For recent results and team splits, use the Detroit Red Wings team page. Before betting, confirm availability on the linked Detroit Red Wings injury report.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Form
Pittsburgh’s 5-1 win over Carolina is the kind of signal bettors care about because it shows ceiling. When the Penguins are clicking, they can bury teams early, and they’re dangerous on the power play. They rank near the top of the league in power play goals, and that matters in a game where the moneyline is basically a coin flip minus home ice.
The question is how sustainable that offense is at 5v5, especially if they’re missing key pieces. Pittsburgh can still create chances, but their best route is usually forcing you into penalties, then cashing in. If the Penguins don’t get power plays, the game can tighten, and that’s where Detroit’s structure can frustrate them.
For home splits and current form, check the Pittsburgh Penguins team page. Before locking anything in, verify who’s in and out on the linked Pittsburgh Penguins injury report, because Pittsburgh’s forward depth impacts both their power play efficiency and their ability to win 5v5 minutes.
Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup Breakdown
This matchup comes down to game state. Detroit wants low-event hockey. Fewer odd-man rushes, fewer scrambles, and fewer penalty kills. If they get that, the Red Wings can play a patient road game and grind their way into the third period with a real chance to steal two points.
Pittsburgh wants the opposite. They want tempo, they want the puck moving through the middle, and they want to turn a single breakdown into multiple high-danger looks in a shift. That’s also how the total gets threatened. If the Penguins are forcing transition and Detroit starts trading chances, you can get to 4-3 in a hurry.
Because this is priced tightly, goaltending confirmation is a big deal. A strong Detroit goaltending performance makes the dog attractive. A shaky performance makes the total and the Penguins side much more live. If you want a clean framework for moneylines, totals, and how to price power play edges, the NHL betting guide helps you avoid overreacting to one result.
Detroit–Pittsburgh is priced tight because both teams can win in different ways, and that’s where the “don’t overpay for one narrative” mindset matters most. Outdoor-game markets are a good reminder that totals and short moneylines can flip on one unusual sequence, so you want to be precise about what actually drives your bet: power play edge, pace, or goaltending confidence. In this matchup, Pittsburgh’s special teams ceiling is real, but Detroit’s structure can compress the game if they stay disciplined. If you want a practical guide for keeping totals and short favorites in perspective when variance is elevated, the NHL Winter Classic odds and predictions article is a strong reference point.
Detroit Red Wings vs Pittsburgh Penguins Predictions and Best Bets
My lean is Pittsburgh moneyline (-126), mostly because the home edge plus special teams upside gives them the slightly cleaner path. If the Penguins get even a modest power play advantage, they can turn this game into a scoreboard race that Detroit does not prefer.
I also lean over 6.0. Both teams have been trending to higher-scoring games recently, and the way Pittsburgh plays at home tends to introduce pace. Even if Detroit wants to slow it down, a couple of penalties or a single early goal can pull the game out of the low-event zone. Over 6 does come with key-number risk, but if you like the projection to 4-3, you’re basically accepting that push is a realistic outcome and you still want the bet.
If you want the safer position, I’d take the side. If you want the higher-volatility angle with more paths to cash, it’s the over, because it can get there through power plays, empty-net sequences, or one messy five-minute stretch.
Best Bet: Penguins Moneyline (-126)
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
To compare your leans with the rest of the slate, start with the daily NHL picks page and use the NHL previews hub when you want quick matchup context.
If you follow proven records, check the best handicappers page and the leaderboard to see who’s performing right now. If you want packaged plays, you can browse options on buy picks, and for a playoff-minded betting lens later in the season, the Stanley Cup betting guide is a useful reference.
