Penguins vs. Lightning Free Pick
TAMPA, FL (The Spread) – The Eastern Conference-leading Penguins will receive a tough road test tonight when they play the host Lightning at 7:30PM ET on the NHL Network.
ODDS: Oddsmakers have installed the Penguins as –123 money line favorites over the Lighting (+114), while the over/under total for this game is currently sitting at 5.5 goals. Pittsburgh enters this game with an 11-4-3 record overall and a 5-3-2 road record, while Tampa Bay is 8-7-2 overall and 5-1-0 at home.
LINE MOVEMENT: The Lightning opened at –105 on the money line but their odds have dropped like a rock since then. Depending on what book you use, Tampa Bay is now between +110 and +115 on the money line while the over/under total has stayed steady at 5.5 goals.
View Latest 2012 Stanley Cup Odds
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the 400-plus wagers placed on tonight’s game, 71% of NHL public bettors currently favor the Penguins. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided for the most up-to-date public betting numbers.
NHL FREE PICK: Take Pittsburgh. While the Lightning have nearly been unbeatable at home this year (they only have one loss), several Penguins are playing outstanding hockey right now. Jordan Staal has nine goals and shares in the team lead at plus-6, while Evgeni Malkin has four goals and five assists in his last six games. On the other side, Tampa Bay could be without Ryan Malone (upper-body injury) and Teddy Purcell (illness). According to latest NHL trends, the road team is 5-1 in the last six meetings between these two teams while the Penguins are 8-3 in their last 11 games overall.
THURSDAY NHL FREE PICK: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS –123
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