Free Picks: Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh and Boston have changed their season outlook for the better. Now preparing for the 8th encounter, I take a look at the total goals for this contest. Pittsburgh is known for their offensive capabilities, while the Bruins are a treat to watch defensively. Tuesday night, will goal-scoring be low at PPG Paints Arena?

Before, the East Division was a two-team race between the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders. However, recent developments have seen the Penguins jump to the top of the division, and the Boston Bruins have been rolling ever since the trade deadline.

With how tight everything is inside the East Division, any game between the top 4 teams could dramatically impact Stanley Cup odds.

Tuesday night, the Bruins and Penguins go head-to-head. Separated by only 7 points, this outcome could hold significant weight for the final standings.

While everyone likes to see a winner, for this BetPicks prediction I am cheering on the defense. I like to wager on total goals, but with how strong both Boston and Pittsburgh are on defense, I think we will see a low-scoring game.

The Bruins and Penguins are opposites entering this game. Boston is ranked highly on defense, while they are a middle team on offense. Meanwhile, the Penguins are scoring at an unreal pace but cannot seem to keep the puck out of the net.

In 7 games this season, the two teams have combined for 36 total goals – or 5.14 goals per game.

However, one specific contest heavily skews that statistic. On April 3rd, the Penguins and Bruins combined for 12 goals in a 7-5 victory for the Bruins. Every other contest between Boston and Pittsburgh have seen no more than 5 goals scored in total.

April 3rd was a rare instance between the two teams. While I expect there to be scoring on Tuesday, I don’t think we’re going to see another 12-goal contest.

Boston’s 7 goals in that contest match a season-high. I am confident that the Bruins will not score 7 goals in this game. As for the Penguins, only twice this season have they allowed more than 6 goals in a game.

Looking at the stats, it’s rare that either team’s goal light flashes that many times in a game. This season, the Bruins and Penguins have been low-scoring head-to-head, so I think taking the under in total goals will be your best NHL bet for this contest.

• The total has gone under in 8 of Boston’s last 12 on the road.
• The Bruins rank 25^th in road offense.
• The total has gone under in 6 of Boston’s last 7 against Pittsburgh.
• Pittsburgh averages 2.70 goals per game in last 10 against Boston.