Pittsburgh Penguins vs Vancouver Canucks: Game preview, predictions, and odds | October 26, 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins play the second half of a back-to-back against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, October 26. Pittsburgh played Edmonton on the road on Friday while Vancouver is coming off a 6-3 win over Chicago.

Penguins vs Canucks: Head-to-head & key numbers

• Pittsburgh is 71-41-11-3 all-time against Vancouver
• The Penguins are averaging 3.38 goals per game.
• Vancouver is allowing 2.83 goals per game.
• Pittsburgh is allowing 4.25 goals per game.
• The Canucks are averaging 3.33 goals per game.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Vancouver Canucks: Preview

The Penguins have struggled this season and now play back-to-back games.

Pittsburgh sent home goalie Tristan Jarry to try and get his mind right as he has struggled mightily this season. The Penguins are led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang.

Vancouver, meanwhile, is off to a 3-1-2 but coach Rick Tocchet thinks the team is not as good as last season's.

“Overall, I’m happy with the game, but I still think the guts of the ice is something we’re not as good as last year. We’ve got to really start to figure that out, I think we’re giving up too many opportunities in the middle of the ice. Overall, we scored six goals, I’m happy,” Tocchet said, via NHL.com.

The Canucks are without starting goalie Thatcher Demko who's out with an injury as Vancouver is trying to stay afloat until he gets back.

Lankinen has taken over as the starting goalie and having success as he says he's feeling comfortable in Vancouver.

“I’m feeling comfortable, feeling confident, I’ve been feeling confident ever since I got here,” Lankinen said. “Just knowing some of the guys and the guys have been really great, welcoming me and making me feel good and comfortable around everybody,” he said.

Penguins vs Canucks: Prediction

Pittsburgh is on the second half of a back-to-back so there will be tired legs, while Vancouver returns home after a road trip.

The Canucks offense should be able to score early and often as Pittsburgh is playing poorly defensively as well as in the net.

Vancouver should be able to get out to an early lead and hold onto to a lopsided win at here.

Prediction: Canucks 4, Penguins 2.