The Pittsburgh Penguins were grounded in back-to-back games against the Philadelphia Flyers this past weekend, losing their two games to their in-state rivals by a combined 8-3. They now look to take flight against the sputtering Detroit Red Wings.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Detroit Red Wings Betting Preview
When: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 1 PM EST
Where: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI
Betting on the Pittsburgh Penguins
[sc:NHL240 ]The Penguins took a major stumble last weekend as they were swept in their home-and-home series against the Philadelphia Flyers. Pittsburgh was shut out in the first game at Philadelphia in a 4-0 drubbing on Saturday and allowed four more goals in a 4-3 home loss on Sunday.
The Pens were without wingers Chris Kunitz and James Neal for both games due to injury, but both could be back for Thursday’s game. Neither Sidney Crosby nor Evgeni Malkin registered a single point in the two games. It was the first time both were held pointless in consecutive games this year.
Pittsburgh beat the Red Wings 4-1 in Detroit earlier this year. Crosby scored twice while Malkin grabbed three points for the Pens. The under has gone 6-1 in the Penguins’ last seven visits to Detroit.
Betting on the Detroit Red Wings
March has not begun well for the Red Wings. Detroit is now just 2-5 in their last seven games after a 4-1 defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. With the skid, the Wings are now three points back of the Rangers for the second wild card spot in the East with two games in hand.
The Red Wings have been unable to keep the opposition from scoring. They’ve allowed 23 goals in seven games, and Jimmy Howard is 1-4 with 15 goals allowed in his five starts this month.
A trip back home could be just what Detroit needs to snap its current skid. The Red Wings are 6-2 in their last eight games at the Joe with an average of 3.75 goals scored over that stretch.
Prediction
With their key wingers back, the Pens will make short work of the struggling Red Wings.
Bet this big Eastern Conference clash with Top Bet’s NHL lines, odds, and futures.
