Penguins Given Even-Money Chance to Beat Higher Seeded Rangers

Pittsburgh is in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 16^th consecutive season.  In the eyes of the gambling public, they remain a gold standard NHL betting franchise.  Consider that Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017.  Further, they were a top contender almost every year before and since.  This year, the Penguins seem to be a top-heavy team that lacks enough secondary scoring to make a serious Stanley Cup run.  While defensively, the Penguins were middle of the road in most categories but did get strong goaltending.

Pittsburgh Penguins Odds to Win the Stanley Cup:  +1933

Penguins Bring a Rich History to the Playoffs

Founded in 1967 as part of the NHL’s “Great Expansion,” the Pittsburgh Penguins struggled for most of their existence until the arrival of Mario Lemieux in 1984.  In sum, Pittsburgh has won five Stanley Cup championships in its history.  Although the Penguins are one of the NHL’s most successful franchises, they have previously struggled.  In their first several years in business, the Penguins lost money and had to change owners several times.  Additionally, there were several close calls in which the franchise nearly left Pittsburgh or faced the possibility of folding.

However, the arrival of Mario Lemieux in 1984 completely transformed the franchise.  Lemieux led the Penguins to their first two Stanley Cup Championships and their first long-term glory era.  And then, in 2005, when the Penguins were bankrupt, Sidney Crosby arrived to save the franchise again.  Crosby has led the Penguins to three Stanley Cups.

CashBet Wagering Analysis – Penguins Bring Credibility To Public

Of major concern is that the Penguins have the same goaltending tandem from last year that imploded in the postseason.  Pittsburgh remains attractive enough to draw best sportsbook online action.  But they are likely not good enough to hoist Lord Stanley’s chalice.

 New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Series Schedule

All Times Eastern

Game 1:  May 3 – 7 p.m. – Penguins at Rangers – ESPN

Game 2:  May 5 – 7 p.m. – Penguins at Rangers – TNT

Game 3:  May 7 – 7 p.m. – Rangers at Penguins – TNT

Game 4:  May 9 – 7 p.m. – Rangers at Penguins – ESPN

Game 5:  May 11 – TBD – Penguins at Rangers – TBD

Game 6:  May 13 – TBD – Rangers at Penguins – TBD

Game 7:  May 15 – TBD – Penguins at Rangers – TBD

Pittsburgh Penguins By the Book

The Penguins were 45-25-11 and 39-39 over and under the Betting on NHL total.  Pittsburgh was 22-13-5 and 22-18 over and under the total on home ice.  While the Penguins were 23-12-6 and 17-23-1 over and under the total on the road.  As a result, Pittsburgh finished in 3^rd place in the Metropolitan Division.  Pittsburgh had NHL metrics of 11^th for goal scoring, 19^th for power-play efficiency, 5^th for goals allowed, and 3rd for penalty killing.

Penguins Have Assets with Stanley Cup Rings

Head coach Mike Sullivan is one of the most successful and respected in the NHL.  At the onset, Sullivan took over in the early stages of the 2015-16 season.  The Penguins were out of sorts when he arrived and written off as aging.  Sullivan quickly adjusted the Penguins and led them to the Stanley Cup championship.  And then the Pens scored a repeat title the following year.  Sullivan has a career regular-season record with the Penguins of 251-131-42 and 41-34 in the playoffs.

Since 2005, center Sidney Crosby has been the marquee man for the Penguins’ franchise.  Once again, Crosby has been the team leader in 2021-22.  Crosby had 31 goals, 53 assists, and a +19.  Left-wing jake Guentzel added 40 goals, 43 assists, and a +12.  And then defenseman Kris Letang remains one of the best in pro hockey betting.  Letang scored nine goals with 58 assists and a +19.

Following his 2021 NHL gambling playoff struggles, Tristan Jarry posted a .919 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average.  Backup goaltender Casey DeSmith added a .914 save percentage and 2.78 goals-against average.

Of major concern is that the Rangers were one of the most dominant hockey betting defensive and goaltending teams this season.