🏒 Bruins vs. Penguins Prediction & Odds: NHL Picks Today (March 8)

One point separates the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins, but the former will be without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin when they meet this afternoon at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh (4:30 p.m. ET, TNT). 

I'm backing Boston, the moneyline betting underdog, to beat Pittsburgh for the third time this season and second time in less than a week in my Bruins vs. Penguins prediction. Another question is whether David Pastrnak can break his goalless drought. He came close in Washington on Saturday, which bodes well. 

🏒 Bruins vs. Penguins picks & odds today: March 8

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.56 units

💰 Bruins vs. Penguins prediction & best bet

Bruins ML (+106)

The Penguins, who lost both games against the Bruins this season, face an uphill battle without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens scored five goals in the previous three games without Crosby.

Last week, I predicted a slide was on the horizon for the Pens. While it's too early to call it a slump, the Pens have lost three of the previous four games.

Both teams are playing on consecutive nights, so neither team should have an advantage. Despite their road inconsistency, the Bruins are playing better hockey. And that's what I'm counting on today. 

Score prediction: Bruins 3, Penguins 1

🔥 Best Bruins vs. Penguins player prop bet

David Pastrnak anytime goal (+140)

Pastrnak was back to his best at home on Saturday against the Caps. He notched two assists and had six shots on eight shot attempts. 

While Pastrnak is scoreless in eight games, his performance on Saturday deserved a goal. He has the second-lowest shooting percentage (11.2) of his career, so positive regression is forthcoming. 

I'm going back to the well as he's like the Big Bad Wolf, huffing and puffing. Sunday is when he blows the house down. I'd play this bet to +135. 

📊 Live Bruins vs. Penguins odds

After opening at +110, the Bruins' odds have remained stable, shortening slightly to +105. That's probably because of the money coming in on the betting underdogs. 

Of the bets thus far, 64% have backed Boston.

💡 How I'm betting Bruins vs. Penguins

Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

The Penguins are the betting favorite for various reasons: They have home-ice advantage, a one-point advantage in the standings, and the Bruins lost five straight road games. 

Still, the Bruins are playing better hockey overall and should exploit a Pens team without their two leading scorers and franchise players. And all streaks, good or bad, have to end at some point. 

Four of the previous five Bruins games hit the Under, and five of the last six Pens contests had six goals or fewer. I backed Pastrnak to score two points against Nashville. He failed to get one, but notched two assists in the following game, when I predicted he'd score. Surely, this pick will be right on the money. 

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🚀 Bruins vs. Penguins same-game parlay

📈 Bruins vs. Penguins betting trends

🚑 Bruins vs. Penguins injuries

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📺 How to watch Bruins vs. Penguins

• Date: Sunday, March 8
• Puck drop: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Location: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)
• TV: TNT