Match Analysis: Hershey Bears vs W-B/Scranton Penguins – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: November 26, 2025
- Time: 12:00 AM UTC
- Location: Giant Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Game Overview
The Hershey Bears host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in an Atlantic Division matchup on Thanksgiving Eve, marking the Bears' traditional holiday game. This is the first meeting of the season between these divisional rivals. The game features special Canteen Vending Turkey Shoot Night festivities, adding to the festive atmosphere at Giant Center.
Key Factors to Consider
- Limited recent performance data is available for the 2025-26 season. However, historical context shows these teams have competitive matchups, with a previous meeting on March 12, 2025 resulting in a 4-5 shootout loss for Hershey. The Hershey Bears are beginning a franchise-record nine-game homestand (November 26 – December 20), which typically provides a home-ice advantage momentum boost.
- The teams are divisional rivals with multiple scheduled meetings this season. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton won their most recent matchup 5-4 in a shootout on March 12, 2025. This upcoming game is the first of their 2025-26 season series, with at least two additional meetings scheduled (one on November 29 and additional games throughout the season).
- Specific injury information for either team is not available in current sources. Both teams are at full roster strength entering their preseason phase of the 2025-26 campaign.
- This is a Thanksgiving Eve game with special promotional activities (Turkey Shoot Night), which typically draws strong home crowd support. The Bears are starting their franchise-record nine-game homestand, suggesting strong organizational focus on home performance. Door opening at 5:30 PM indicates potential for excellent crowd attendance.
- Hershey has significant motivation as the home team on a holiday with special promotions and the start of an extended homestand. W-B/Scranton enters as the defending winner of their last matchup and seeks to continue divisional dominance. The early-season timing suggests both teams are establishing their competitive identity.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Hershey Bears -113 | W-B/Scranton Penguins -130 | Hershey Bears ML (with note: unusual odds structure suggests sharp action on both sides) | β β β ββ 58% |
| Spread | Hershey Bears -1.5 (-305) | W-B/Scranton Penguins +1.5 (210) | W-B/Scranton Penguins +1.5 | β β β ββ 62% |
| Over/under | Over 5.5 (-104) | Under 5.5 (-132) | Under 5.5 | β β β ββ 55% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Hershey Bears 6% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 5.5 -9% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Hershey Bears at 6% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 6.3% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
The Hershey Bears are favored to win this matchup despite the unusual moneyline odds presentation. Home-ice advantage on Thanksgiving Eve, combined with the start of a franchise-record nine-game homestand, positions Hershey favorably. The tight odds (-113 vs -130) suggest a competitive, closely-contested game. W-B/Scranton's recent head-to-head success cannot be overlooked, but the overwhelming home-team factors suggest a slight Hershey edge.
Predicted Score: Hershey Bears 3 – W-B/Scranton Penguins 2