ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Red-Hot Golden Knights Aim to Extend Streak Against Struggling Penguins
Two teams with active trade deadlines and contrasting trajectories meet on Friday night as the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights (41-21-5, 87 points) host the Pittsburgh Penguins (29-30-9, 67 points) at T-Mobile Arena.
Vegas, fresh off a 5-2 win over Toronto, has won three straight games and six of its last seven, pushing its lead over the Edmonton Oilers to six points in the division race. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has dropped three in a row and eight of its last ten (2-6-2), leaving its playoff hopes fading fast.
Adding to the intrigue, both teams have been active in the trade market, with Vegas reacquiring fan favorite Reilly Smith, while Pittsburgh continues to shake up its roster ahead of Friday’s trade deadline.
Vegas Golden Knights: Staying Hot at the Right Time
Recent Performance & Trends
- Six wins in seven games, including a three-game winning streak.
- Outscored opponents 23-13 in their past six wins.
- 3rd in the NHL in goals per game (3.47) while allowing just 2.72 goals per game (6th best in the league).
Key Players to Watch
- Jonathan Marchessault (team-leading 37 goals, 67 points) continues to thrive offensively.
- Jack Eichel (61 points) has been a playmaking force.
- Reilly Smith, returning to Vegas via trade, could reunite with William Karlsson and bolster the offense.
Projected Goaltender: Logan Thompson
- Season Stats: 22-13-3, 2.62 GAA, .912 SV%
Coach Bruce Cassidy on Reilly Smith’s Return:
“He knows how we play, knows the room, knows the expectations. … Playoff time, there’s a lot of value in guys who have been there and done it.”
Unlock NHL Betting Success
Get Access Now
Pittsburgh Penguins: Facing Uncertain Future Amid Struggles
Recent Performance & Trends
- Three straight losses and eight in their last ten.
- Ranked 24th in goals per game (2.88) and struggling to score in key moments.
- 1-4-1 in their last six road games.
Key Players to Watch
- Sidney Crosby (team-best 75 points) remains the heart of Pittsburgh’s offense.
- Rickard Rakell, with four goals in his last three games, leads the team with 29 goals.
- Erik Karlsson (56 points) continues to generate offense from the blue line but has been involved in trade rumors.
Projected Goaltender: Tristan Jarry
- Season Stats: 17-20-5, 2.93 GAA, .903 SV%
Coach Mike Sullivan on Team’s Recent Struggles:
“We’ve put some really good games together and feel like we deserved better. But you don’t get participation points. You’ve got to find a way to win games.”
Head-to-Head Matchup: Golden Knights vs. Penguins
| Category | Golden Knights | Penguins |
| Record | 41-21-5 | 29-30-9 |
| Goals Per Game | 3.47 (3rd) | 2.88 (24th) |
| Goals Against Per Game | 2.72 (6th) | 3.10 (17th) |
| Power Play % | 22.6% (10th) | 25.4% (5th) |
| Penalty Kill % | 81.3% (7th) | 78.2% (16th) |
Ready to master NHL betting? Learn expert strategies here 👉 NHL Expert Betting Guide
Game Prediction: Golden Knights Should Keep Rolling
With Vegas clicking on all cylinders offensively and Pittsburgh dealing with trade deadline distractions and inconsistent play, the Golden Knights have a clear edge in this matchup.
While Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell could keep things interesting, Vegas’ depth and defensive stability should prove too much for the Penguins to handle.
Final Score Prediction: Golden Knights 4, Penguins 2
Can the Golden Knights continue their dominant run, or will the Penguins shake off their struggles and pull off an upset? Find out Friday night in Las Vegas!
