Boston Bruins vs Pittsburgh Penguins: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 3 p.m. ET

Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

Where to watch: ABC, ESPN+, SN1

DraftKings: Check back later for odds

BetMGM: Check back later for odds

Caesars: Check back later for odds

Bruins: 58-12-5

Penguins: 37-28-10

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On April 1, 2023, two of the NHL's most storied franchises will clash when the Boston Bruins take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game, which is scheduled to take place at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams that have consistently been among the league's best over the past decade.

The Boston Bruins have had a solid season so far, sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division with the best record in the league and they just clinched the Presidents' Trophy. They are a talented team that boasts several star players, including forward Brad Marchand, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and goaltender Linus Ullmark. Marchand, in particular, has been in excellent form this season, tallying 76 points in just 65 games played. Meanwhile, McAvoy has been a rock on the blue line, playing over 24 minutes per game and contributing offensively with 35 points. Rask has also been outstanding in net, with a save percentage of .926 and a goals-against average of 2.26.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, meanwhile, are in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 36-25-5. They have been somewhat inconsistent this season but are still a dangerous team that cannot be taken lightly. The Penguins are led by superstar centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who have been among the best players in the league for over a decade. Crosby has been in excellent form this season, with 68 points in 59 games played, while Malkin has struggled with injuries but has still managed to contribute 39 points in 40 games played. In addition to these two stars, the Penguins also have several other talented players, including winger Jake Guentzel and defenseman Kris Letang.

When these two teams met earlier in the season, it was the Bruins who emerged victorious, winning 4-1 on home ice. However, both teams have changed since then, and this upcoming matchup could go either way. The Penguins will be looking to get revenge for that earlier loss and solidify their position in the playoff race, while the Bruins will be looking to continue their strong form and push for the top spot in the division.

One key factor to watch out for in this game is the special teams play of both teams. The Bruins have been outstanding on the penalty kill this season, with a success rate of 85.5%. They have also been solid on the power play, with a success rate of 21.7%. The Penguins, meanwhile, have been excellent on the power play, with a success rate of 24.9%, but their penalty kill has been mediocre, with a success rate of just 77.3%. If the Bruins can continue their strong penalty killing and take advantage of the Penguins' weaker penalty kill, it could give them a significant advantage in the game.

Another factor to consider is the goaltending matchup. The Bruins will likely start Rask, who has been outstanding this season and is one of the best goaltenders in the league. The Penguins, meanwhile, could start either Tristan Jarry or Casey DeSmith. Jarry has played more games this season and has a slightly better save percentage than DeSmith, but both goaltenders have been solid for the Penguins.

In conclusion, the upcoming matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins is sure to be a thrilling encounter between two of the NHL's most storied franchises. Both teams have talented rosters and a history of intense matchups, and this game promises to be no different. With the playoffs just around the corner, both teams will be looking to make a statement and prove that they are true contenders for the Stanley Cup.

Prediction

The Bruins have never shown a sign of slowing down. It truly is incredible that this is the case. They just keep winning and will do so once again on national TV. Bruins 4, Penguins 2

Bruins:

Brad Marchand -- Patrice Bergeron -- Jake DeBrusk

Pavel Zacha -- David Krejci -- David Pastrnak

Tyler Bertuzzi -- Charlie Coyle -- Trent Frederic

Jakub Lauko -- Tomas Nosek -- Garnet Hathaway

Dmitry Orlov -- Charlie McAvoy

Hampus Lindholm -- Brandon Carlo

Jakub Zboril -- Connor Clifton

Linus Ullmark

Penguins:

Jake Guentzel -- Sidney Crosby -- Bryan Rust

Jason Zucker -- Evgeni Malkin -- Rickard Rakell

Danton Heinen -- Ryan Poehling -- Mikael Granlund

Drew O'Connor -- Jeff Carter -- Josh Archibald

Brian Dumoulin -- Kris Letang

Pierre-Olivier Joseph -- Jeff Petry

Mark Friedman -- Chad Ruhwedel

Tristan Jarry