Free Picks: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Boston Bruins

Owning a 5-game win streak, the Penguins are racking up the W’s as of late. Facing one of the most consistent franchises in recent history, the Pens will look to find offense against the Bruins – something they have struggled to do so far this season. Boston was the former top dog in the East but have since taken a step back.

Unless you’re a Pens fan yourself – hockey fans are hoping for the Pittsburgh dynasty to fall. With aging superstars, doubters of Pittsburgh are predicting their next great decline. However, the Pens’ current 5-game win streak proves that they are going nowhere.

The Pens now sit happily in 3rd place in the East Division but are itching for wins and points. They will be tested against another consistent franchise – the Boston Bruins.

The Bruins are three points back of the Penguins in the East, which makes this game compelling. For this specific NHL pick, I think I am going to focus on total goals.

Pittsburgh owns one of the best offenses in the league. Meanwhile, the normally efficient and deadly Bruins’ offensive squad have struggled this season.

These teams are opposites. The Penguins are elite on offense but struggle to keep the puck out of the net. Meanwhile, the Bruins stink on offense but are elite on defense. This fact has me sniffing out a potential OVER in total goals.

Looking back at recent games, the Bruins have thwarted any offensive threat from Pittsburgh. But what makes the Penguins’ offense so strong is their ability to nag the opponent. Even when you think they are down, the Penguins manage to find a way to score. It hasn’t happened yet in two games, but you can bet the Penguins will find a way to score multiple goals on Monday.

As well, the Penguins tally nearly 30 shots per game, which is above the Bruins’ average for shots against per game. This means that even if Boston plays stellar on defense, the Penguins are going to get offensive opportunities.

Since being shutout against the New York Islanders on February 28, the Penguins have gone 7 straight games with 3 or more goals. That’s an impressive streak.

Pittsburgh isn’t the most threatening defensive team, either. So, I think the Bruins will get their fair share of offensive opportunities as well. With the firepower of Pittsburgh and potential firepower from Boston, I think taking the total goals over 5.5 is one of the best NHL bets you can make.

• The total has gone OVER in 11 of the last 16 games between PIT/BOS
• The total has hit OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 games as the underdog.
• Starting goalie Tuukka Rask is questionable for Monday’s contest.
• The Bruins average 4 goals per game against Pittsburgh in last 10.