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Free NHL Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens

by Thomas Jensen on Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Thursday's showcase game is a potential Eastern Conference Final preview: the Pittsburgh Penguins skate into Montreal to face the Canadiens. BetOnline.com has the Montreal Canadiens –160 odds favorites against the Pittsburgh Penguins +140 odds. The Penguins have had lots to cheer about recently, including the emergence of Evgeni Malkin and some pretty solid hockey in February (5-2-1), but the best news is yet to come: Sidney Crosby is skating again.

Crosby has been sidelined injuring his ankle January 18, but he went through his most demanding practice on Monday, skating at full speed and racing all over the ice. He hasn't been cleared for contact yet, but its still a great sign that Pittsburgh's superstar could be back in the line-up sooner rather than later. It'll make the Pens very dangerous, since they've played well enough without him to keep pace with the New Jersey Devils for the Atlantic Division lead and possibly contend for the first-overall seed.

The Canadiens are in the thick of things too. Heading into Tuesday's games, Montreal was tied for most points in the East and had won three straight. The top line of Alex Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Kostitsyn has been extremely effective; they've combined for 66 goals and 151 points. Also keep an eye on Carey Price, a rookie sensation who has started in net for Montreal during its three-game winning streak (which has included an overtime win and a shutout).

Montreal leads the series 2-1 and is extremely hot right now. The Habs will keep it going at home. Get your Free NHL Pick in Now!

Free NHL Pick: Montreal Canadiens

Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens puck drops 7:30 p.m. ET. There's still plenty of time to get in on the NHL betting action. Visit BetOnline.com, home to the best online sports book in the world!