NHL Best Bets (1/26/23): Expert Predictions For Tonight’s Games

There are only 4 games in the NHL tonight, but there are definitely plenty of ways to bet on the matchups. Anthony Elio has a best bet for the showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers on 1/26/24.

Florida Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Florida Panthers are bouncing back after a recent 4-game losing streak, winning games over the Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes while outscoring to competition 10-3. Getting a few more wins before the All-Star Break would further establish the Panthers as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Center Sam Reinhart has been on an absolute tear for the Panthers. Reinhart has a point in every single January game so far (an 11-game streak), recording 12 goals and 4 assists along the way. While Reinhart has been doing some serious heavy lifting, Pittsburgh shouldn’t underestimate the rest of the Florida scoring talent, such as Carter Verhaeghe (49 points), Matthew Tkachuk (48 points), and Aleksander Barokov (47 points).

While the offense has been productive, Florida also boasts a top 5 defense, allowing just 2.6 goals per game. They’ve also been excellent at limiting opponent’s shot opportunities, holding other teams to 27.15 shots per game, good enough for 2nd in the league.

The Pittsburgh Penguins could really use a win tonight for some playoff momentum. The Pens have dropped 2 in a row and are on a 1-4 streak in which they’re averaging just 2.4 goals per game.

However, Sidney Crosby is putting together an excellent season, leading Pittsburgh with 27 goals and 48 points. Defenseman Erik Karlsson has been clicking with the rest of the team as well, recording at least a point in every game this month.

However, special teams are a major problem for Pittsburgh, at least offensively. The team is currently 31st in the league on the power play, scoring on just 13.29% of opportunities. But on the bright side, the Pens are currently 7th in the league with an 82.84% penalty kill percentage.

The Panthers have been road warriors as of late. The team is 15-7-2 away from Amerant Bank Arena, currently riding a 6-game road winning streak. Throughout this streak, 28-10, averaging 4.6 goals per game. Meanwhile, the Penguins have been average at PPG Paints Arena, going 11-8-2 at home.

Florida has shown this season that the team could make a return to the Stanley Cup Finals, especially during a recent 9-game winning streak. Pittsburgh has seen some high-end play from veterans like Crosby and Karlsson, but has overall been playing uninspired hockey lately. Take the Panthers on the moneyline in this matchup, and consider a sprinkle on the team to win in regulation.

Best Bet: Florida Panthers Moneyline

Best NHL Sportsbook Promo Codes