The NHL is all set for the conference semifinal round, and in the Eastern Conference, a pair of Atlantic Division rivals will meet for the chance to go to the final when the Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Rangers at Mellon Arena on Friday. BetOnline.com has the Pittsburgh Penguins –145 odds favorites against the New York Rangers +135 with the over/under set at 5 goals.
Much of the talk surrounding the Rangers' five-game win over the New Jersey Devils pertained to the antics of Sean Avery, the superpest who angered New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur so much that Brodeur refused to shake his hand during the traditional post-series ceremony. But more importantly, the Rangers finally found their offense, scoring at least four goals in three of their games against the Devils. The Rangers were fourth from the bottom of the East in goals scored after acquiring Scott Gomez and Chris Drury in the off-season, and the pair struggled. But Gomez was especially instrumental in dumping his former team, racking up three goals and four assists against the Devils. Henrik Lundqvist was sparkling in goal, putting up a GAA of 2.36 and a save percentage of .917.
The Penguins were merciless in a four-game sweep of the Ottawa Senators, gaining a bit of revenge for losing to Ottawa in the first round of last year's playoffs. Pittsburgh was especially solid on the road, beating the Senators 7-2 over the last two games of the series. Sidney Crosby led the way with two goals and six assists, including five helpers on the power play. Marc-Andre Fleury also had a huge hand in shutting down the Senators' offense, with a GAA of 1.26 and a save percentage of .955.
The Rangers took five of eight meetings with the Penguins this season, but they won only once in Pittsburgh. New York trailed only New Jersey for fewest goals allowed in the East, while the Penguins have two, possibly three, lines that can score on a consistent basis. The young Penguins were the best team in the East at home, so look for Pittsburgh to ride that home-ice advantage to a victory in the series opener on Friday. Get your Free NHL Playoffs Pick in Now!
New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins – 7:00 PM ET
Free NHL Playoffs Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins
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