Two-time MVP producing at incredible pace
Sidney Crosby has accumulated a number of awards during his illustrious career. Still, the Pittsburgh star’s never led the league outright in goals.
That could very well change this season. Sitting at 20 tallies through 22 contests, Crosby aims to keep the magic going in tonight’s meeting with the Coyotes. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the Penguins odds of -320 to handle their business at home. Conversely, Dave Tippett’s team enters PPG Paints Arena as a +250 underdog.
Not surprisingly, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner was front and center in the Pens’ weekend triumph over Tampa Bay, notching a pair of points. Phil Kessel and Kris Letang each had three assists, too, as Mike Sullivan’s troops rallied from a two-goal deficit. Thus, Pittsburgh moved two points behind the Rangers for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Arizona also enjoyed a productive Saturday, smashing Nashville and snapping a six-game losing streak. Of course, certain issues continue to shroud the club. Key forward Max Domi likely will miss an extended period of time with an upper-body injury, putting further stress on an already anemic offense.
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Thankfully, Mike Smith’s accustomed to standing on his head. The veteran netminder has faced at least 33 shots in four of his five December appearances. But that won’t be enough against the high-flying Penguins, who should improve to 19-7-3 with relative ease.
MONDAY NHL FREE PICK: PENGUINS -1.5