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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Detroit Red Wings: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 31, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 31, 2024 6:30 PM
The Detroit Red Wings look to build momentum after Alex DeBrincat's impressive 2-goal performance, as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins on New Year's Eve at Little Caesars Arena. The Penguins, tied with the Red Wings in their regular season series, aim to capitalize on their 17-16-5 record and secure a road win. The puck drops at 8:00 PM EST on December 31, 2024.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Detroit Red Wings

Current Odds

PIT
DET
Over
5.5
-120
Under
5.5
+105
PIT
+1.5
-222
DET
-1.5
+201
PIT
ML
+110
DET
ML
-121

Penguins vs Red Wings statistics

Stat Penguins Red Wings
Goals For per Game 3.08 2.58
Goals Against Average 3.66 3.28
Shots per Game 28.9 25.1
Shots Against per Game 31.6 29.8
Power Play Goals 28 24
Power Play Goals Against 18 30
Short Handed Goals 3 1
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 262 246
Power Play Percentage 25.9 22.9
Penalty Kill Percentage 83.0 69.7

Detroit Red Wings recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/29/24 vs Washington Capitals W 4-2
12/27/24 vs Toronto Maple Leafs L 5-2
12/23/24 vs St. Louis Blues L 4-0
12/21/24 @ Montreal Canadiens L 5-1
12/20/24 vs Montreal Canadiens L 4-3

Pittsburgh Penguins recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/29/24 vs New York Islanders W 3-2
12/28/24 @ New York Islanders L 6-3
12/23/24 vs Philadelphia Flyers W 7-3
12/21/24 @ New Jersey Devils L 3-0
12/19/24 @ Nashville Predators W 5-4 OT

Detroit Red Wings injuries

  • Ben Chiarot (D): Day-To-Day
  • Simon Edvinsson (D): Injured Reserve
  • Cam Talbot (G): Day-To-Day
  • Marco Kasper (C): Day-To-Day
  • Alex Lyon (G): Injured Reserve

Pittsburgh Penguins injuries

  • Kris Letang (D): Day-To-Day
  • Marcus Pettersson (D): Injured Reserve
  • Owen Pickering (D): Injured Reserve
  • Jack St. Ivany (D): Out
  • Philip Tomasino (C): Day-To-Day

Penguins vs Red Wings game info

Type Info
Venue Little Caesars Arena
Location Detroit, MI
Puck drop Tue 8:00 PM

Penguins vs Red Wings predictions

With the Red Wings hosting the Penguins at the Little Caesars Arena, all eyes will be on the Penguins' top performers. Rickard Rakell, having put up a solid 17 goals, is likely to continue his hot streak. In fact, he could be the wild card that gives the Pens an edge on the ice tonight. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby, the ageless wonder, remains the cornerstone of the team, leading with an impressive 30 assists and 40 points. He's expected to be the playmaker, orchestrating the Penguins’ offensive strategies with his usual finesse. Can Crosby channel his experience and on-the-ice vision to penetrate the Red Wings’ defenses? That's something fans will be anxiously watching.

On the other end of the rink, the Red Wings have their own weapon, Lucas Raymond. With 15 goals and 21 assists, Raymond is a powerhouse, adored by the Detroit faithful. Imagine the roar at Little Caesars Arena if he finds the back of the net again tonight. Given his knack for setting up teammates, look for him to build on his 36 points tally. But wait—after DeBrincat's thrilling two-goal game last time, could this be a preview of another standout performance from him? Keep an eye on the dynamic duo; they might just disrupt the Penguins’ defense, turning the tide in Detroit's favor.

As the puck drops, there's a collective anticipation—who will clinch the much-needed win? Despite Pittsburgh having a stronger overall record, their road form has been shaky, which plays into Detroit’s hands. Red Wings’ odds aren’t just arbitrary numbers; the home advantage combined with recent impressive individual performances could tip the scales. The Penguins will undoubtedly fight hard, but if the spirited Red Wings, bolstered by players like Raymond and DeBrincat, maintain their momentum, they might just skate away with victory. What do you think? Are we in for an unexpected twist, or will the projected win play out as many anticipate?

Detroit Red Wings

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Detroit Red Wings
players

Pittsburgh Penguins

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Pittsburgh Penguins
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