Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Lightning vs Penguins Odds
Looking for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins free hockey picks? NHL betting sees the Lightning taking on the Penguins on Thursday, May 26th, 2016 at the Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey matchups throughout the playoffs so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Round 3: Game 7
Date: Thursday, May 26th 2016
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Pittsburgh Penguins -200
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds: Pittsburgh -1.5 +155
NHL Betting Total: 5
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The best two words in sports: Game Seven.
The Penguins went on the road and forced the series back to Pittsburgh as the two teams play one game for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Tampa Bay Lightning
After stealing Game 5 in overtime and taking all the momentum in the series, the Lightning failed to clinch at home in Game 6.
Tampa Bay saw themselves fall behind 3-0 and nearly made a comeback as they cut the deficit to 3-2 in the 3rd period. However, that was as close as they could get.
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Andrei Vasilevskiy is the biggest key here. The young Russian was asked to step into one of the most high pressured series’ after Ben Bishop went down. While he has shown flashes from brilliance, he has also been exposed at times.
Vasilevskiy will be on the road here, facing the most high pressured game he’s ever been in. Controlling his nerves is a must as he simply cannot allow the Penguins to get any cheap goals.
Victor Hedman will also be another key. Hedman was a -4 in Game 6 and has played a crucial role in the Lightning wins this postseason.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been a tough team to figure out this series.
After taking a 2-1 lead, they flopped in Game 4. Then, after blowing Game 5 at home late, they came back in Game 6 and absolutely dominated the Lightning.
Phil Kessel has been the biggest part of that. He opened the scoring in Game 6 and set the tone,as he has been the biggest threat for the Penguins this postseason.
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Matthew Murray also got some redemption himself. After being benched, Murray responded with a dominating performance, turning aside 28 of the 30 shots he faced.
Murray has already faced plenty of high pressured situations this postseason, which gives him a major edge here in Game 7 with no room for error.
Crosby also had a tally in Game 6. His presence and for him to have a good game are certainly important here.
NHL Hockey Handicapping Trends
- Lightning are 6-0 in their last 6 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals.
- Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 road games.
- Lightning are 9-2 in their last 11 Thursday games.
- Penguins are 10-2 in their last 12 Thursday games.
- Penguins are 15-4 in their last 19 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Penguins are 25-7 in their last 32 games playing on 1 days rest.
Free Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Hockey Prediction
Obviously home ice will be a huge deal here.
With Murray getting his confidence back as well, this is a solid spot for the Penguins to really get out early and for him to close the door on Tampa Bay.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Pittsburgh ML
Murray dominates here in Game 7 as the Penguins get a home win and move onto the Finals.
NHL Free Score Prediction: Pittsburgh 5 – Tampa Bay 2
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