Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers Game Analysis | 22-01-2026 | NHL

The regular-season matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins (24-14-11) and the Edmonton Oilers (25-18-8) is set for January 22, 2026, at 9:00 PM EST at Rogers Place in Edmonton. This contest pits two clubs with differing trajectories and key injury concerns against each other as they navigate the demanding NHL schedule.

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Performance

The Penguins enter this game with a respectable record, indicative of a team battling for playoff positioning. Their performance has been characterized by flashes of brilliance from their veteran core, with Sidney Crosby continuing to defy age. However, periods of inconsistency, particularly in defensive zone coverage and depth scoring, have challenged their ascent. The absence of a key offensive defenseman like Erik Karlsson significantly impacts their puck movement, power-play efficiency, and overall offensive zone presence, forcing others to step up.

Pittsburgh Penguins Key Players

Points: Sidney Crosby (56)
Goals: Sidney Crosby (26)
Assists: Sidney Crosby (30)

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): ir-nr

Edmonton Oilers Team Performance

The Edmonton Oilers have steadily improved their standing, overcoming an earlier slump to solidify their position. Their offense, driven by the unparalleled talent of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, is among the league’s most potent and can single-handedly turn games. While historically their defensive structure and goaltending have been scrutinized, recent performances suggest a more cohesive unit under pressure. Playing on home ice, the Oilers will look to leverage their elite speed and skill to dictate the pace of play and exploit any defensive lapses.

Edmonton Oilers Key Players

Points: Connor McDavid (85)
Goals: Connor McDavid (30)
Assists: Connor McDavid (55)

Injury Report Edmonton Oilers

Kasperi Kapanen (Out): Kapanen is projected to miss roughly one week, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 Edmonton reports Tuesday.
Adam Henrique (Injured reserve): Henrique was moved to long-term injured reserve Tuesday.

Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers

Considering the current form and key absences, the Edmonton Oilers are predicted to emerge victorious in this contest. Their offensive firepower, particularly with Connor McDavid’s league-leading 85 points, combined with home-ice advantage, gives them a significant edge. The Penguins’ challenge without Erik Karlsson’s offensive contribution from the blue line could limit their scoring opportunities against a re-energized Oilers squad. Furthermore, with both teams potentially tightening up defensively in a crucial mid-season matchup, we predict the total goals to be under 6.5.

Last 5 Games: PIT

Form:

WWLWL

VS @ Calgary

W 4-1

PTS 24-14-11

GOL Skinner

AST Malkin

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

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ Calgary	W 4-1	24-14-11	Skinner	Malkin
@ 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

Last 5 Games: EDM

Form:

LWWLL

VS vs New Jersey

L 2-1

PTS 25-18-8

GOL Jarry

AST Savoie

VS vs St. Louis

W 5-0

PTS 25-17-8

GOL Ingram

AST Ingram

VS @ Vancouver

W 6-0

PTS 24-17-8

GOL Jarry

AST Jarry

VS vs New York

L 1-0

PTS 23-17-8

GOL Ingram

AST Ingram

VS @ Nashville

L 4-3 OT

PTS 23-16-8

GOL Jarry

AST Draisaitl

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs New Jersey	L 2-1	25-18-8	Jarry	Savoie
vs St. Louis	W 5-0	25-17-8	Ingram	Ingram
@ Vancouver	W 6-0	24-17-8	Jarry	Jarry
vs New York	L 1-0	23-17-8	Ingram	Ingram
@ Nashville	L 4-3 OT	23-16-8	Jarry	Draisaitl

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction | NHL 22.01.26