The Pittsburgh Penguins won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 3-2 at home, over the Carolina Hurricanes, who limited Sidney Crosby to two shots on net. Tonight, May 21, the Hurricanes have to win Game 2 as 85% of the teams that win Game 2 goes on to win the series. NHL oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Penguins as -200 moneyline favs over the Hurricanes (+160) with the over/under listed at 5.5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes Pick in now at SBGglobal.com
The Hurricanes managed to limit Crosby to no goals, an assist and two shots on net thanks to the Cullen line. Crosby was coming off an eight-goal series against Washington and leads NHL playoff scorers with 22 points. They’ll have to win and head back home where they’ll have home ice advantage. On a good note the Hurricanes have won five of their last Game 2 situations, after losing five of their last Game 1’s. A big factor in their loss was the absence of their two most physical players, injured forwards Tuomo Ruutu (right ankle) and Erik Cole (knee). Neither player practiced Wednesday as they rested after Game 1 injuries, and it appears likely both will miss Game 2. Being without either or both players, Ruutu appears to be more seriously injured, would significantly thin the Hurricanes' depth for what might be their most pivotal game of the season. The Hurricanes' ability to stay within their system was a major factor in them eliminating New Jersey and Boston. Goalie Cam Ward has been a savior in net, he’s 8-7 with a 2.27 GAA after allowing 35 goals. He’s recorded two playoff shutouts in these playoffs.
The Penguins got goals from Miroslav Satan, Evgeni Malkin and Phillippe Boucher and they know what the Hurricanes will have for them in Game 2. The Hurricanes never let up against the Crosby and Evgeni Malkin lines in Game 1, and Crosby is certain they will stay true to their system. Carolina wants to pressure the puck, stifle the Penguins' offensive flow and keep the game in Pittsburgh's zone. "They don't give you a whole lot," Crosby said. "They have a great work ethic and depth, and they come at you every shift." If the Pens go up 2-0 it might prove too demanding for the Canes. With Crosby in their lineup, the Penguins haven't lost any of the five playoff series they've led at any point. Despite numerous scoring chances by both teams, Game 1 was tighter defensively than any of those during the Penguins-Capitals series, and Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma knows Carolina wants Game 2 to be similar. "Out of all the teams, this is probably the best team at knowing their game, playing their game and doing it over and over again with hard work," Bylsma said. "They play their game and they're very disciplined in how they play their game. That's how they've become resilient and that's how they've come back in series." Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is 9-5 with a 2.67 GAA after allowing 39 goals.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Pittsburgh.
- Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings.
- Home team is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings.
- Favorite is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
- Hurricanes are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh.
- Hurricanes are 6-1 in their last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
- Hurricanes are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
2009 NHL Playoffs Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes
When: Thurs, May 21, 2009 7:30 PM ET
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Hurricanes +160
Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes
The Bottom Line: The Hurricanes are going to player harder than ever and they’ll keep the Pens top line silent. Remember they eliminated the big bad Bruins. Go Canes! Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes Pick in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 60% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
