Ben Kindel has been a shooting machine for the Pittsburgh Penguins, going Over 1.5 shots per game while leading the team (minimum 100 minutes) in shots on goal per minute.
They'll need to rely on his young legs in a back-to-back, which is why he's a top target in my Penguins vs. Golden Knights prediction.
Let's dive deeper into my full slate of NHL picks.
Penguins vs Golden Knights prediction: Under 6.5
I like this game to stay Under 6.5 and would play to 53%.
The Vegas Golden Knights rank fifth in expected goal suppression during 5-on-5 play and have spent less time shorthanded than anybody in the league.
Their defense and discipline will make it hard for the Pittsburgh Penguins to produce, especially in a back-to-back.
Pittsburgh is also an above-average team at staying out of the box. That’s important against a Vegas side ranking Top-10 in scoring efficiency on the man advantage.
Pittsburgh also started Arturs Silovs on Friday, leaving Sergei Murashov (17th among 43 goaltenders in GSAx per 60 thus far) to get the nod tonight.
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Penguins vs Golden Knights combo
I’m combining the Under with Vegas on the moneyline and Rasmus Andersson to record two shots on net.
The Golden Knights are consistently one of the best teams in the NHL at home, and they’re off to another roaring start, with a 4-1 record in Vegas.
They’re the better team, and they have a big rest advantage against a team that played at high altitude just last night.
Andersson trails only Jack Eichel for the team lead in 5-on-5 home attempts and should have plenty of chances to shoot in this pace-up spot.
Penguins vs Golden Knights combo
- Under 6.5
- Vegas Golden Knights moneyline
- Rasmus Andersson Over 1.5 shots
TOP PICK
Penguins vs Golden Knights player prop: Ben Kindel Over 1.5 shots
I’d play Ben Kindel for 2+ shots up to 58%.
He has recorded multiple shots on target in six of seven games to start the season. The uptick in volume stems from increased usage.
He’s playing nearly three more minutes per game than as a rookie and has moved to the top power-play unit, replacing Bryan Rust.
Much of his volume comes from near the net, and the Golden Knights quietly rank 26th in slot shots allowed.
Kindel doesn’t have nearly as much mileage as many Penguins, and his young legs should be relied upon in this back-to-back.
COVERS INTEL: Ben Kindel ranks 1st among 13 eligible Penguins in shots on goal per 60 minutes.
Penguins vs Golden Knights goal scorer: Tomas Hertl
Tomas Hertl is all the way back.
The veteran pivot has a new lease on life under new head coach Ryan Craig and looks like one of the league’s biggest scoring threats.
He has seen an uptick in usage and has generated a lot of high-danger opportunities. Nobody on the Golden Knights has piled up more expected goals than Hertl (4.7).
That’s one of the highest marks in the league. Hertl ranks sixth in xG, and each of the five players ahead of him has scored more than the four goals he has.
The Penguins are in the latter half a road back-to-back and rank fourth in 5-on-5 pace this season. It’s a great spot to deal damage.
- Top picks: 8-6, +1.35 units
- Combos: 2-12, -4.0 units
Penguins vs Golden Knights odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Penguins 35% | Golden Knights 66%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (53%) | Under 6.5 (48%)
- Spread: Penguins +1.5 (57%) | Golden Knights -1.5 (44%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Penguins vs Golden Knights trend
Vegas has won 17 of their last 25 games (+8.95 units, 26% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Penguins vs Golden Knights
| Location | T-Mobile Arena |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN+, ESPN+ |
Penguins vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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