Golden Knights vs. Penguins Prediction & Odds: NHL Picks Today (March 1)

The Pittsburgh Penguins welcome the Vegas Golden Knights to PPG Paints Arena in today's matinee (1 p.m. ET, TNT) after losing to the New York Rangers on Saturday.

I'm backing Vegas, the -154 moneyline betting favorite to take advantage of Pittsburgh's quick turnaround in my Golden Knights vs. Penguins prediction. And I expect Pavel Dorofeyev to play a part in Vegas' prospective victory, which I outline in my featured player prop. 

🏒 Golden Knights vs. Penguins picks & odds today: March 1

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: 2.84 units

💰 Golden Knights vs. Penguins prediction & best bet

Golden Knights -1.5 (+160)

Vegas lost its first game back in Washington, 3-2. However, it won the expected goals battle 4.12 to 3.06 and looked threatening throughout. The Golden Knights face a Penguins team playing on the second day of a back-to-back without their captain and talisman, Sidney Crosby. 

The Pens lost to the Rangers 3-2 in a shootout and were also outplayed, albeit marginally. I'm still waiting for Vegas to kick it into high gear, and this game could represent the start of a long-awaited upswing. 

Score prediction: Golden Knights 4, Penguins 2 

🔥 Best Golden Knights vs. Penguins player prop bet

Pavel Dorofeyev Over 0.5 assists (-120)

Dorofeyev is among the best of the Golden Knights' forwards over the last few games. He had a four-game point streak entering the Olympic break, scoring in three straight, and extended his streak in the nation's capital on Friday. He notched a helper, making it seven points in the previous five games. 

Dorofeyev scored two points the last time he played at PPG Paints Arena. BetMGM and bet365 offer the best price among the best sports betting sites, and I'd play the bet to -125. 

📊 Live Golden Knights vs. Penguins odds

The odds for the Golden Knights spread (-1.5) lengthened from +145 to +160. That's partly due to the Pens' recent solid home record and confidence in presumed starter Arturs Silovs, who has won four of his previous five starts. 

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, have struggled recently on the road, losing four of five.

💡 How I'm betting Golden Knights vs. Penguins

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

I'm feeling more confident about the Golden Knights winning than I am the total. Vegas played well on Friday and had a rest day to recharge, while the Pens played Saturday in a game that went the distance.  

While it might not happen immediately, I'm waiting for the Pens' forthcoming slide. Without Crosby, I expect most people are. It's why I'm putting a full unit ($10) on the pick.

The need to win by two goals is slightly concerning, but the Pens are overdue for such a loss. They haven't lost by two goals or more since Dec. 23. In Dorofeyev, I'm riding with the hot hand. 

👊 How successful are Gary Pearson's bets? 

Gary Pearson had the following betting record in February:

• Olympic hockey record: 42/80 (53% success rate), +5.8 units
• Overall February record: 80/150 (53% success rate), +19 units

🚀 Golden Knights vs. Penguins same-game parlay

📈 Golden Knights vs. Penguins betting trends

🚑 Golden Knights vs. Penguins injuries

📺 How to watch Golden Knights vs. Penguins

• Date: Sunday, March 1
• Puck drop: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)
• TV: TNT