The Pittsburgh Penguins (13-12-3) travel to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs (15-7-6) on Saturday, December 16th. This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Penguins are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Maple Leafs are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Blue Jackets. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

The Pittsburgh Penguins Are Coming Off A Win

This season, the Penguins have a mark of 13-12-3. When going on the road, Pittsburgh has a record of 7-6-2 record, while they are 6-6-1 at their home arena. They are currently positioned 7th in the Eastern Metropolitan division and 12th in the Eastern conference. Pittsburgh heads into the game with 10 wins by more than one goal, and lost nine games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line record this season is 12-16.

The Penguins most recently took on the Canadiens and secured a win with a score of 4-3. Scoring-wise, the Penguins put up one goal during the first period and two times in the second period. Of Pittsburgh’s four goals, two were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 30 shots on goal and 14 giveaways.

Pittsburgh couldn’t cover the puck line despite the straight-up win, as they entered the game as the favorites with a -1.5 goal advantage. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 6 goals, with a combined total of 7 goals.

The Toronto Maple Leafs Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Facing the Penguins, the Maple Leafs have a record of 15-7-6 so far. At home, their record is 8-5-2 and 7-2-4 on the road. Their current record places them 2nd in the Eastern Atlantic division and 3rd in the Eastern conference. Toronto comes in with six wins with a margin of more than one goal this season and lost five games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line performance is 7-20.

The Maple Leafs aim to bounce back following their 6-5 loss at home to the Blue Jackets. On offense, the Maple Leafs did not find the net in the first or second period but scored five goals in the third period. Toronto’s one power-play goals contributed to their total of 5 goals. Their offensive performance came with 48 shots on goal and 11 giveaways.

Toronto went into the game favored by -1.5, giving them a loss vs. the puck line. The over/under line going into the game was 6.5 goals, which the teams surpassed with their combined 11 goals.

Pittsburgh Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Penguins are averaging 2.9 goals per game which is 25th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 11th in the league. The Pittsburgh offense is ranked 27th in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 17th in the NHL.

This season, the Penguins’ have an over/under record of 9-17-2. Throughout the season, they have played 18 games that did not exceed the 6.5 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 5.6 goals per game.

Toronto Offense Breakdown

When looking at their offense, the Maple Leafs have an average of 3.5 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 9th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 14th in the league. Looking at how the Maple Leafs’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 16th in power play goals and 19th in shorthanded goals.

This season, the Maple Leafs have an over/under record of 15-11-1. Throughout the season, they have played 16 games that went over the 6.5 over/under line. The average number of goals in their games is 7 per game.

Pittsburgh Team Defense

Pittsburgh defense takes on the Maple Leafs ranked 16th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are averaging 31.2 shots per game against Pittsburgh. They alsso are 1st in shutouts, with 4 shutouts.

Toronto Team Defense

Defensively, the Maple Leafs are currently 18th in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 32.1 shots per game against Toronto. They also are 21st in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.

Penguins vs Maple Leafs Trends

• Although Pittsburgh has a straight up record of 4-6 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the puck line going 3-7. The team averaged 2 goals per game in these games.
• Although Toronto has a straight up record of 2-3 in their last five home games, they have not held up as well vs the puck line going 1-4. The team averaged 3 goals per game in these games.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Maple Leafs have a strong straight up record of 4-1. In addition, their puck line record was 5-0 in these scenarios.
• Through their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Penguins have a good straight up record, but their puck line mark is just 1-2.

Penguins vs Maple Leafs Prediction

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Maple Leafs to come out with a win against the Penguins while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -148, I’m placing my bet on the Maple Leafs to win outright.

My recommended pick for the puck line is to take the Penguins to cover. Even if the Maple Leafs win straight-up, this one should be close throughout and the Penguins should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.