Kings vs Penguins Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

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18 February 2024

Kings vs Penguins Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

The Penguins catch the Kings on the latter half of a back-to-back this Sunday night, and the igloo should be full of energy as Jaromir Jagr's No. 68 heads up to the rafters in a pre-game ceremony. Our NHL betting picks see Sidney Crosby contributing.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will retire Jaromir Jagr’s No. 68 prior to hosting the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday evening at PPG Paints Arena. The NHL odds board has the Penguins as home favorites against the Kings on Sunday.

The Penguins got a much-needed win in Chicago on Thursday night to end a three-game losing streak. Pittsburgh had two days off prior to tonight's matchup against Los Angeles.

On the other hand, the Kings battled back in Boston on Saturday afternoon to earn an overtime win against the Bruins. Los Angeles has now won two in a row and four of its last five after a rough stretch.

Can the Penguins get the job done after honoring Jagr tonight? Read on for our Kings vs. Penguins NHL picks and predictions on Sunday, February 18.

Kings vs Penguins odds

Kings vs Penguins predictions

The Los Angeles Kings have turned things around a bit after firing head coach Todd McLellan. It's going to be a tough turnaround on Sunday, though, after the Kings battled hard to come back for a win in Boston.

“On a game like today, where it took everybody, it’s hard to single anybody out,” Kings coach Jim Hiller said. “Just up and down the lineup, you’ve got to give credit to everybody.”

A hard-fought win was great for the Kings on Saturday, but they should feel the effects of that on Sunday with some tired legs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been waiting at home after a win in Chicago on Thursday night – and skating with legend Jaromir Jagr as they’re set to honor him before the game on Sunday night.

Every point matters for the Penguins right now in a tight Metropolitan Division.

“I’m just happy to get a win,” said Sidney Crosby after Thursday’s game. “Obviously, we could build off this. We need the points. Yeah, however we can get them.”

Crosby has seemingly found the fountain of youth this season as he leads the way for the Penguins. He scored twice in Chicago on Thursday night.

“It looked to me like he was trying to will it for us,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “I thought he was locked in from the very first shift. He was strong on pucks all night. His line was a threat most shifts. I thought he brought his game to another level tonight.”

It will likely be Cam Talbot in net for Los Angeles after Dave Rittich started on Saturday. Talbot started out the season tremendously but has dropped to 14-13-5 with a 2.63 GAA and .909 SV% overall. He has lost 10 straight decisions, going 0-7-3 with 37 goals against and an .877 SV%. That's been even worse over his past five outings with 20 goals allowed in less than 200 minutes.

Tristan Jarry has been solid in net for Pittsburgh despite a 14-16-4 record. He's posted a 2.52 GAA with a .913 SV% and a league-leading six shutouts.

The Penguins have a few key advantages here playing at home while being rested against a tired team with a struggling goalie. Take advantage of that on Sunday night.

My best bet: Penguins moneyline (-118 at FanDuel)

Kings vs Penguins same-game parlay

Penguins moneyline

Sidney Crosby anytime goal

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has led the team all season long and that’ll continue tonight at home.

Crosby already has 30 goals in 51 games after potting two in Chicago on Thursday night. He's scored in 22 of 51 games this season, including eight of his last 18 since December 30.

This is a tough schedule spot for the Kings and the Penguins should be able to take advantage.

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Kings vs Penguins moneyline and Over/Under analysis

The Penguins odds opened at -122 and they haven't moved much at all. You can get the Penguins between -118 (FanDuel) and -125 (DraftKings) with the Kings odds between -102 (FanDuel) and +105 (DraftKings) after opening at +102.

It’s a bit surprising that the line hasn’t moved toward the Penguins more with the Kings on a back-to-back. Their game on Saturday went into overtime with their better goalie (right now) starting. Keep an eye out on some line movement Pittsburgh’s way throughout the day. I would play Pittsburgh up to -140 or so.

The total opened at 6.5 with both the Over and Under paying off -110. It has moved down to a flat six at some books with Over 6 (-115) and Under 6 (-102) both at DraftKings. You can get Over 6.5 (-105) and Under 6.5 (-115) at FanDuel.

The Kings played an uncharacteristically high-scoring game on Saturday. They're 30-19-2 to the Under this season with Pittsburgh even better at 31-17-3. I'd take the Under 6 tonight at nearly even money.

Kings vs Penguins betting trend to know

The Penguins have hit the Game Total Under in 46 of their last 80 games (+13.85 Units / 16% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs. Penguins.

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