Pittsburgh Penguins vs Calgary Flames Prediction

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Calgary Flames Game Analysis | 21-01-2026 | NHL

In a pivotal regular-season matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins (23-14-11) are set to face the Calgary Flames (21-23-5) on January 21, 2026, at 9:30 PM EST at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. This contest pits a Penguins squad looking to solidify its playoff position against a Flames team striving to climb out of a challenging season.

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Performance

The Pittsburgh Penguins enter this game with a respectable record, indicating a team that, despite some inconsistencies, remains a formidable opponent. Their strength lies heavily in their offensive firepower, particularly with their star players leading the charge. However, their defensive depth faces a significant test with key absences. While their power play can be lethal, maintaining a disciplined game will be crucial to avoid giving the Flames momentum. The Penguins have demonstrated an ability to grind out wins, but defensive lapses have occasionally cost them valuable points.

Pittsburgh Penguins Key Players

Points: Sidney Crosby (55)
Goals: Sidney Crosby (26)
Assists: Sidney Crosby (29)

Injury Report Pittsburgh Penguins

Erik Karlsson (Injured reserve): Karlsson (lower body) will not be in action versus Calgary on Wednesday but did practice in a regular jersey, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports.
Caleb Jones (Injured reserve): Jones (lower body) was assigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Monday for a conditioning loan.
Tanner Howe (Injured reserve): Injured Reserve – No Report.

Calgary Flames Team Performance

The Calgary Flames have endured a challenging season, reflected in their sub-.500 record. Despite flashes of potential, the team has struggled with consistency, particularly in converting offensive zone time into high-danger chances and goals. Their physicality and forechecking can disrupt opponents, but lapses in defensive zone coverage and goaltending have often undermined their efforts. Playing on home ice, the Flames will look to leverage their crowd support, but they must address their scoring droughts and tighten up their defensive structure to contend with a high-octane Penguins offense.

Calgary Flames Key Players

Points: Nazem Kadri (34)
Goals: Matt Coronato (13)
Assists: Nazem Kadri (25)

Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Calgary Flames

Considering the overall team performance and key player contributions, the Pittsburgh Penguins are predicted to emerge victorious in this contest. Their superior offensive talent, spearheaded by Sidney Crosby’s dominant season, provides a significant edge. While Erik Karlsson’s absence is notable, the Penguins’ depth and veteran leadership should allow them to overcome a struggling Flames squad. Furthermore, given Calgary’s offensive inconsistencies and Pittsburgh’s potential to play a more structured game without Karlsson, we predict the total goals to be under 5.5.

Last 5 Games: PIT

Form:

WLWLL

VS @ Seattle

W 6-3

PTS 23-14-11

GOL Skinner

AST Dewar

VS vs Columbus

L 4-3 SO

PTS 22-14-11

GOL Silovs

AST Crosby

VS vs Philadelphia

W 6-3

PTS 22-14-10

GOL Skinner

AST Novak

VS vs Tampa Bay

L 2-1 SO

PTS 21-14-10

GOL Silovs

AST Silovs

VS @ Boston

L 1-0

PTS 21-14-9

GOL Skinner

AST Skinner

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ Seattle	W 6-3	23-14-11	Skinner	Dewar
vs Columbus	L 4-3 SO	22-14-11	Silovs	Crosby
vs Philadelphia	W 6-3	22-14-10	Skinner	Novak
vs Tampa Bay	L 2-1 SO	21-14-10	Silovs	Silovs
@ Boston	L 1-0	21-14-9	Skinner	Skinner

Last 5 Games: CGY

Form:

LWWLW

VS vs New Jersey

L 2-1 OT

PTS 21-23-5

GOL Cooley

AST Cooley

VS vs New York

W 4-2

PTS 21-23-4

GOL Wolf

AST Bahl

VS @ Chicago

W 3-1

PTS 20-23-4

GOL Cooley

AST Backlund

VS @ Columbus

L 5-3

PTS 19-23-4

GOL Wolf

AST Frost

VS @ Pittsburgh

W 2-1

PTS 19-22-4

GOL Cooley

AST Cooley

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs New Jersey	L 2-1 OT	21-23-5	Cooley	Cooley
vs New York	W 4-2	21-23-4	Wolf	Bahl
@ Chicago	W 3-1	20-23-4	Cooley	Backlund
@ Columbus	L 5-3	19-23-4	Wolf	Frost
@ Pittsburgh	W 2-1	19-22-4	Cooley	Cooley

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Calgary Flames Prediction | NHL 21.01.26