The Calgary Flames visit the Pittsburgh Penguins in a cross-conference clash, with the Flames mired in a four-game losing streak and seeking to turn things around against a surging Penguins squad on a six-game winning run. Pittsburgh’s veteran core, bolstered by Evgeni Malkin’s recent return, faces a Flames team dealing with defensive injuries and offensive inconsistencies. This afternoon matchup at PPG Paints Arena could feature high-scoring potential given Pittsburgh’s recent form and Calgary’s leaky defense.
Venue Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Recent Team Forms
The Flames are in a slump, going 0-4-0 in their last four games with a -11 goal differential, outscored 17-6 overall.
They recently fell 4-1 to the Boston Bruins on January 8 and 4-1 to the Montreal Canadiens on January 7, averaging just 1.5 goals scored and 4.25 allowed per game in that span.
On the road, Calgary is 8-12-2, with defensive lapses allowing 3.2 goals per game away while struggling to generate shots (29.5 per game league-wide).
The Penguins are red-hot, riding a six-game winning streak and going 7-1-0 in their last eight with a +14 goal differential.
They dominated the New Jersey Devils 4-1 on January 8, averaging 3.75 goals scored and 2.0 allowed in recent wins.
At home, Pittsburgh is 12-6-4, excelling in puck possession (52.1% Corsi For) and special teams during the streak.
Injury Report
Calgary Flames:
Blake Coleman (LW): Day-to-day (Undisclosed).
Zayne Parekh (D): Day-to-day (Upper body).
Jake Bean (D): Out (Undisclosed, surgery – indefinite).
John Beecher (C): Out (Upper body, IR).
Sam Honzek (LW): Out (Upper body, surgery – six months).
These absences thin Calgary’s blue line and forward depth, potentially exposing them to Pittsburgh’s speed.
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Rutger McGroarty (F): Out (Upper body, IR).
Caleb Jones (D): Out (Undisclosed, expected back soon).
Hallander (C): Out (Leg).
Evgeni Malkin recently returned from upper-body injury and scored in his comeback game.
Pittsburgh is nearing full health, boosting their lineup.
Player Matchups to Watch
Projected lineups highlight Pittsburgh’s veteran experience against Calgary’s gritty forwards, with special teams potentially deciding the game.
Nazem Kadri (Flames C) vs. Sidney Crosby (Penguins C): Kadri anchors Calgary’s top line with 0.45 goals/game and physical play, but faces Crosby (1.12 points/game, 8-game point streak).
This center matchup could control the neutral zone.
Jonathan Huberdeau (Flames LW) vs. Jake Guentzel (Penguins LW): Huberdeau pairs with Kadri for secondary scoring (0.38 goals/game), testing Guentzel’s two-way game (0.62 points/game).
Blake Coleman (Flames LW) vs. Evgeni Malkin (Penguins C): Coleman, if available, brings energy (0.41 goals/game), but Malkin’s return (power-play goal in comeback) adds scoring threat.
Goaltending: Dustin Wolf (Flames) projects 28 saves with a 3.00 GAA; Alex Nedeljkovic (Penguins) has been solid in the streak.
Series History
The Penguins and Flames have met 118 times, with Calgary holding a 49-49-18-2 edge.
In the last 10 games, Calgary is 5-3-2, including a 6-2 win on November 30, 2024, and 4-3 on October 22, 2024.
Pittsburgh has struggled in Calgary (0-1-0 since last win in 2019), but at home, they’ve won four of the last six, with games averaging 5.8 goals.
Betting Trends
Penguins are 7-1 SU in their last 8, covering 6-2 ATS.
Flames are 0-4 SU/ATS in their last 4, with the under hitting in 3 of 4.
Pittsburgh is 4-5 as home favorites, while Calgary is 3-7 as road underdogs.
Game Odds
Calgary Flames 6.5
Pittsburgh Penguins – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
