Offensive explosion on Long Island?
A Metropolitan Division showdown anchors the evening’s slate of early action as the Penguins and Islanders drop the puck at 7 p.m. EST.
According to online sports book Bovada.lv, visiting Pittsburgh is garnering odds of -105 to spoil the scene at Barclays Center. New York currently carries a money line of -115 to hold serve on its home ice.
Such little separation reflects both clubs’ commendable play of late. The Pens continued their blistering offensive pace in Sunday’s 6-1 rout at New Jersey, getting two tallies from Evgeni Malkin and a rare decision for backup goaltender Matt Murray.
While Marc-Andre Fleury will snag this assignment between the pipes, expect support on par with the team’s weekend outburst. In fact, the Penguins have potted four or more six times in the last 10 contests.
Pens withstanding multiple injuries
Yet the Isles notched a major feat of their own two nights ago. In dispatching the Rangers for the third straight game, John Taveras and company maintained a three-point lead on Pittsburgh in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference race.
Bank on all parties involved to keep the sticks in scorching form. The Islanders ultimately receive the benefit of the doubt, though, on the basis of a 19-8-4 home mark and recent run of quality victories.
MONDAY NHL FREE PICK: PENGUINS +1.5
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