TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING @ PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Sunday, February 12th, 2012, 7:00PM US
(12:00AM GMT)

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PREVIEW

Both teams in tonights match are off a win, but Pittsburg are clearly the better team. The Penguins are 31-19-5, including 16-7-2 at home, scoring over 3 goals per game in front of their fans on average. That will work against a Tampa Bay defence that is conceding More than 3.5 goals on average when travelling.

Tampa Bay bring a 24-24-6 record here, but they are a pitiful 9-16-4 on the road. They are in a bad spot too, because the Penguins are out for revenge after Tampa Bay knocked them out in last years playoffs. During the regular season last year Pittsburgh outscored the Lightning 13-2 in just 2 games. They have the tools to score heavily again tonight, as they have Evgeni Malkin, the NHL top point scorer with 67. In the last meeting, Malkin had a 5 point game against Tampa Bay, so he knows exactly how to play them. With James Neal and Chris Kuniz skating along him, there are a bunch of goals to be had from different players, and Tampa Bay just do not look like they can keep them out.

Tampa lost the last one 6-3 against Pittsburgh, and will have Mathieu Garon between the pipes for them today. Since that loss he has done well, but I feel he is due a loss and given the situation and quality of the opposition, tonight looks a good bet for him to have his off day. Pittsburgh's offence struck 8 goals last night. In front of their home fans, I expect them to score at least another 3 today, which will be enough.

BETTING VERDICT

The prices on the win are too low and I have to give Tampa Bay a little respect for recent performances so will not take Pittsburgh to win by 2. Instead, I'll take the Regulation win, which is priced just about right.

The Pick :

Pittsburgh in regulation

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the Pittsburgh Penguins -0.5 (Regulation) @ 1.80 (Pinnacle)