The Anaheim Ducks open their home schedule on Tuesday night against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. Puck drop is set for 10:30 PM ET at Honda Center. The Ducks come in at -150 favorites, while the Penguins sit at +125 on the moneyline with the total set at six goals.
Pittsburgh has started 2-1-0 and split its first two road games. Anaheim is 1-1-0 after a 5-1 win over Pittsburgh last January and will look to keep the same momentum. The Ducks’ home opener adds energy to a team trying to climb the Pacific Division standings, while the Penguins continue a tough early West Coast trip.
PIT Preview – Jarry and Offense Carry Early
The Penguins have found offense early, averaging 3.3 goals per game through three outings. Sidney Crosby leads the charge again, with Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel creating steady scoring chances. Pittsburgh has gone 2-for-10 on the power play but has looked efficient when setting up in the zone.
Goaltender Tristan Jarry has been solid with a .919 save percentage in his first start. Backup Arturs Silovs has also been tested heavily, facing 55 shots in two games. The Penguins’ defense has struggled at times, allowing over 27 shots per game and six goals in their last outing against the Rangers.
Injuries remain an issue with Kris Letang listed day-to-day and several depth forwards still out. Despite that, Pittsburgh has managed to stay strong on special teams and maintain a fast pace at even strength. Their offense will need to carry the load again against Anaheim’s improving defense.
ANA Preview – Ducks Flying High at Home
The Ducks earned their first win of the season by scoring five goals in their last game, showing signs of life on offense. Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish continue to be key playmakers, while Troy Terry adds balance on the top line. Anaheim has been effective generating shots, averaging 27 per game so far.
Goaltender Lukas Dostal is expected to start after a strong outing in the team’s last win. He’s helped Anaheim to a 66.7% penalty kill rate, but the Ducks will need to tighten that up against a Pittsburgh squad that moves the puck quickly. Ryan Strome remains out, leaving a gap down the middle that has forced younger players into bigger minutes.
Defensively, Anaheim has been aggressive in its own end and has shown better structure under coach Greg Cronin. They’ve allowed 2.67 goals per game through two contests but are limiting second-chance looks. The Ducks’ ability to slow down Crosby’s line could determine how close this game stays.
Betting Prediction
The Ducks come in as the home favorite, but the value may sit with Pittsburgh. The Penguins have scored in every period so far and can take advantage of Anaheim’s penalty issues. Anaheim plays well at home, yet their defense is still adjusting early in the year, and Pittsburgh’s veterans give them the edge in experience.
Expect the Penguins to push tempo and test Dostal early. If Jarry can rebound from his last start, Pittsburgh should control enough of the puck to steal this one on the road. A 4-3 Penguins win feels likely, making the over also worth a look.
Pick: Penguins +125 and Over 6.0 (-120)
