The Pittsburgh Penguins (21-13-9) visit the Boston Bruins (24-19-2) in an Original Six matchup with playoff implications. The Penguins, fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 51 points, have been streaky but boast a strong offense led by veterans. The Bruins, sixth in the Atlantic with 50 points, are coming off back-to-back dominant wins and look to capitalize on home ice. This game could hinge on special teams and goaltending, with Boston riding momentum after a 10-goal outburst.
Venue
The game will be held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET. Broadcast details include ESPN+ nationally, with regional coverage on NESN (Bruins) and SportsNet Pittsburgh (Penguins).
Recent Team Forms
The Penguins’ six-game winning streak ended with a loss, showing vulnerability in close games. The Bruins are heating up with high-scoring victories.
Pittsburgh Penguins (Last 10 Games: 7-3-0)
Pittsburgh averaged 3.5 goals per game but allowed 2.8, with strong power-play efficiency. Their road form is 5-2-0 in the last seven away contests.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 10, 2026 | vs. CGY | L 1-2 |
| Jan 8, 2026 | vs. NJD | W 4-1 |
| Jan 4, 2026 | @ CLB | W 5-4 |
| Jan 3, 2026 | @ DET | W 4-1 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | vs. DET | W 4-3 |
| Dec 30, 2025 | @ BUF | W 3-2 |
| Dec 28, 2025 | vs. OTT | W 5-1 |
| Dec 26, 2025 | @ TOR | L 2-3 (OT) |
| Dec 23, 2025 | vs. MTL | W 4-2 |
| Dec 21, 2025 | @ NYI | L 1-3 |
Key trend: The Penguins are 6-1-0 in their last seven before the Flames loss, but 2-3-0 when allowing the first goal.
Boston Bruins (Last 10 Games: 5-4-1)
Boston has exploded offensively, outscoring opponents 23-7 in their last two games, but defense remains inconsistent at 3.1 goals allowed per game.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 10, 2026 | vs. NYR | W 10-2 |
| Jan 8, 2026 | vs. CGY | W 4-1 |
| Jan 6, 2026 | @ SEA | L 2-4 |
| Jan 4, 2026 | vs. PHI | W 3-2 (OT) |
| Jan 2, 2026 | @ NSH | L 1-3 |
| Dec 31, 2025 | vs. MTL | W 5-3 |
| Dec 29, 2025 | @ OTT | L 2-4 |
| Dec 27, 2025 | vs. TOR | L 3-4 (SO) |
| Dec 24, 2025 | @ BUF | W 4-1 |
| Dec 22, 2025 | vs. FLA | L 2-3 |
Key trend: The Bruins are 4-1-0 in their last five home games, with Marat Khusnutdinov netting four goals in the Rangers rout.
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Penguins
Bryan Rust (RW): Out (lower body) – Day-to-day, missed the Flames game and unlikely for Sunday.
Rutger McGroarty (RW): Out (undisclosed) – Placed on IR since Jan. 7, no timetable.
The Penguins are otherwise healthy, but Rust’s absence impacts secondary scoring.
Boston Bruins
Elias Lindholm (C): Questionable (undisclosed) – Left the Rangers game in the second period; status uncertain but nagging issue noted.
Morgan Geekie (C): Probable (personal) – Left due to family emergency, but coach confirmed “all good” and expected back.
Boston’s depth is tested, but no long-term absences reported.
Key Player Matchups
Sidney Crosby (PIT C) vs. Brad Marchand (BOS LW): Crosby (42 points) faces Marchand (35 points) in a leadership battle; expect physicality and playmaking duels at even strength.
Evgeni Malkin (PIT C) vs. David Pastrnak (BOS RW): Malkin (28 goals) vs. Pastrnak (31 goals) – sniper showdown, with power-play edges key.
Erik Karlsson (PIT D) vs. Pavel Zacha (BOS C): Karlsson’s offensive rushes (25 assists) against Zacha’s two-way play (recent multi-goal games).
Goaltending: Tristan Jarry (PIT) vs. Jeremy Swayman (BOS): Jarry (2.65 GAA, .912 SV%) seeks rebound after loss; Swayman (2.45 GAA, .920 SV%) has won three straight. Projected starters: Jarry for Penguins, Swayman for Bruins.
Series History
The Bruins and Penguins have played 253 times all-time, with Boston holding a 142-88-23 edge (including playoffs). In the last 20 meetings, the Bruins are 13-7-0. Pittsburgh has won three of the last five, but Boston dominated recent home games, averaging 3.8 goals. Head-to-head trends toward under in low-scoring affairs (average 5.2 goals last 10).
Betting Trends
Boston is 7-3 in last 10 as favorites; Pittsburgh 4-6 as road underdogs. Bruins 6-4 ATS in last 10; Penguins 5-5 ATS on road. Over hit in 7 of Bruins’ last 10 home games; under in 6 of Penguins’ last 10 overall. Head-to-head last 5: average 5.4 goals. Bruins 5-0 ATS in last 5 vs. Metropolitan teams; Penguins 5-1 SU in last 6 but 3-7 ATS after losses. Power play: Penguins 29.8%, Bruins 22.5%.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Penguins – 122
Boston Bruins 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
