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NFL Playoff Pick: Penguins vs Flyers |
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Written by Neil Jordan
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Friday, 09 May 2008
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 It is always an occasion when the Pittsburgh Penguins meet the Philadelphia Flyers for another edition in the “Battle of Pennsylvania” rivalry. But the stakes will be even higher now, as the two will clash at Mellon Arena on Friday for the first game of the Eastern Conference final in the NHL playoffs. BetOnline.com has the Pittsburgh Penguins –175 odds favorites against the Philadelphia Flyers +155 with the total set at 5.5 goals.
The Flyers got past the top-seeded Montreal Canadiens in six games, and they did it by sticking with the formula that got them to the postseason: physical play. The Flyers battered the smaller Canadiens into submission, and also got into their heads. R.J. Umberger led the offense with eight goals and an assist, and he did all that with just 20 shots on goal, which is an outstanding percentage. Martin Biron had another excellent series in goal, putting up a GAA of 2.79 and a save percentage of .921.
The Penguins wrapped up their five-game series with the New York Rangers with an overtime goal by Marian Hossa, who notched a pair in the clincher. Hossa combined with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for 18 points in the series, and they are as formidable a power-play trio as any in the league. Marc-Andre Fleury did his part in nets, as the young goaltender had a GAA of 2.15 and a save percentage of .924.
These two rivals each won four of eight meeting during the regular season, as every game was hard-fought and usually scrappy. The Penguins come in as -175 favorites at home for Game 1, and -220 favorites for the series, but you can bet that they will not take the Flyers for granted. For a team with so many young players, the Penguins are playing with a lot of poise, but they have to avoid being drawn into Philadelphia's physical game. Look for Pittsburgh to grab the first game of what should be a hotly-contested series. Get your Free NHL Playoff Pick in Now!
Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins – 7:30 PM ET
Free NHL Playoff Pick:
For more props and odds on the NHL Playoffs as we follow the chase for the Stanley Cup, as well as a look at our brand-new and revamped Casino, visit BetOnline.com for the most exciting experience in the sports betting industry.
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