NHL Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins (24-14-11) vs. Edmonton Oilers (25-18-8)

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The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-14-11) travel to face the Edmonton Oilers (25-18-8) in a cross-conference clash that wraps up their season series. Pittsburgh, sitting second in the Metropolitan Division, is coming off a strong 6-3 road win over Seattle and boasts a 6-2-2 record in their last 10, fueled by Sidney Crosby’s leadership. Edmonton, second in the Pacific, has won back-to-back shutouts but will be without key forwards like Leon Draisaitl due to personal reasons. The Oilers dominated the first meeting 6-4 on December 16, 2025, but Pittsburgh’s recent form and defensive depth could make this a tight affair. Expect high-end skill on display, with potential for over 6.5 goals given both teams’ offensive firepower.

Venue Location

Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta

Puckdrop is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (broadcast on ESPN+, SN-PIT, SNW, TVAS)

Recent Team Forms

Pittsburgh has been surging with a 6-2-2 mark in their last 10, outscoring opponents 38-26. Edmonton is 6-3-1 in their last 10, including two straight shutouts, with a +15 goal differential.

Pittsburgh Penguins Last 10 Games:

DateOpponentResultGoals ForGoals Against
Jan 19@ SEAW 6-363
Jan 17vs CBJL 3-4 SO34
Jan 15vs TBLW 6-363
Jan 13vs TBLL 2-1 SO21
Jan 11@ BOSL 1-010
Jan 10@ NYIL 2-121
Jan 8vs NYRW 4-141
Jan 4@ CBJW 5-4 OT54
Jan 3@ DETW 4-141
Jan 1vs DETW 4-3 OT43

Record: 6-2-2

Avg. Goals: 3.7 for, 2.1 against

Power Play: 22.5% (11th in NHL); Penalty Kill: 82.1% (11th)

Edmonton Oilers Last 10 Games:

DateOpponentResultGoals ForGoals Against
Jan 20vs NJDL 1-212
Jan 18vs STLW 5-050
Jan 17@ VANW 6-060
Jan 13vs EDMW 4-3 OT43
Jan 11vs WSHW 3-232
Jan 10@ LAKL 3-4 SO34
Jan 8vs NYIW 2-1 SO21
Jan 6vs EDML 2-626
Jan 3vs PHIL 2-525
Jan 1vs SEAL 1-414

Record: 5-4-1

Avg. Goals: 2.9 for, 2.7 against

Power Play: 28.4% (2nd in NHL); Penalty Kill: 79.3% (19th)

Injury Report

Pittsburgh’s blue line is hit hard, potentially forcing younger defensemen into bigger roles. Edmonton is missing top offensive talent, including Draisaitl, which could hinder their scoring depth.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Kris Letang (D): Day-to-day (upper body) – Game-time decision

Erik Karlsson (D): Out (lower body) – IR, expected back soon

Tanner Howe (LW): Out (ACL) – IR, long-term

Filip Hallander (C): Out (leg) – IR

Caleb Jones (D): Out (lower body) – IR

Peyton Kettles (D): Out (undisclosed)

Edmonton Oilers:

Leon Draisaitl (C): Out (personal) – Expected back later this week

Kasperi Kapanen (RW): Out (undisclosed) – Expected back Jan 29

Adam Henrique (C): Out (undisclosed) – LTIR

Projected Starting Goalies:

Pittsburgh: Stuart Skinner (acquired from EDM; 12-8-3, 2.85 GAA, .902 SV%)

Edmonton: Tristan Jarry (acquired from PIT; 10-5-2, 2.65 GAA, .910 SV%)

Key Player Matchups

This game showcases generational talents, with Crosby facing off against McDavid in a must-watch duel. Edmonton’s injuries shift focus to secondary scorers, while Pittsburgh’s depleted defense could be exploited.

Sidney Crosby (PIT) vs. Connor McDavid (EDM): Crosby (26G, 30A) leads Pittsburgh with consistent two-way play. McDavid (30G, 55A) is Edmonton’s engine, on a point streak. This elite center matchup could dictate pace and transitions.

Bryan Rust (PIT) vs. Zach Hyman (EDM): Rust (top Penguins scorer) brings speed and finishing. Hyman (net-front presence) thrives for Edmonton. Expect battles in high-danger areas.

Evgeni Malkin (PIT) vs. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM): Malkin (veteran playmaker) adds secondary offense for Pittsburgh. Nugent-Hopkins (versatile forward) anchors Edmonton’s lines without Draisaitl. Faceoff and special teams key.

Rickard Rakell (PIT) vs. Evan Bouchard (EDM): Rakell (winger) provides depth scoring. Bouchard (D, power-play QB) leads Edmonton’s blue line. Watch for odd-man rushes.

Marcus Pettersson (PIT) vs. Mattias Ekholm (EDM): Pettersson steps up on Pittsburgh’s thinned defense. Ekholm (shutdown D) pairs with Bouchard for Edmonton. Neutral-zone control crucial.

Series History

All-time: Edmonton leads 47-37-4-1 (89 games). Recent: Edmonton won the first meeting 6-4 on Dec. 16, 2025. Penguins are 3-5-2 in the last 10, but have won 3 of the last 5 in Edmonton. At Rogers Place: Edmonton 15-10-2-1 vs. Pittsburgh. Trends: Over has hit in 6 of the last 8 head-to-heads; average combined goals: 6.8.

Betting Trends

Puck Line: Oilers cover 55% at home as favorites. Total: Over has hit in 5 of Edmonton’s last 7 home games; Under in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 6 road games. Team Trends: Pittsburgh 6-2-2 last 10; 4-1 SU last 5 vs. Pacific. Edmonton 5-4-1 last 10; 7-3 SU last 10 at home. Pittsburgh 3-5-2 last 10 vs. Edmonton; Over in 6 of last 8 series games.

Game Odds

Pittsburgh Penguins       6.5        

Edmonton Oilers              – 175    

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026