Four. That’s the number of total goals scored in this series through the first two games. When you consider that the Penguins were the highest-scoring home team in the league in the regular season and that there had been an average of 5.5 goals scored per game at the PPG Paints Arena through the Pens’ first six playoff games, it really puts into perspective just how effective the Sens’ system has been.
Many were quick to jump down the Senators’ throats after Game 2 because they didn’t chase the win but I’m not in that camp. Ottawa clearly came into the series with a game plan and it would be foolish to abandon that strategy after it’s worked so marvelously. Game 3 should be just as cagey as the first two were with the Sens still looking to trap and counterpunch so you shouldn’t expect them to come out tonight like they were fired out of a cannon.
A more realistic set of expectations for them would include Ottawa looking for better entries into the Pittsburgh zone and for guys like Erik Karlsson to try to generate some more chances on the power play. The Sens have now failed to score in 19 opportunities on the man advantage so a power-play goal could really turn the tides in Game 3.
At +110, Ottawa is receiving good value tonight and given their track record as underdogs this postseason, this evening’s scale-tipping game would seem to offer a good opportunity to back the Sens.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Ottawa Senators as 113 moneyline underdogs in this particular NHL betting matchup earlier. The over under total, meanwhile, was set early at 5 before betting started to move the line at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 3.5-1.8 victory for the Penguins. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Pittsburgh Penguins have seen them go 59-24-13 so far this season, while the Senators are at 53-32-11. In totals betting, the Ottawa Senators are 37-52-7, while the Penguins are 53-38-5. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Ottawa vs Pittsburgh injuries news.
It's an NHL hockey betting matchup between the No. 18-rated Ottawa Senators and the No. 5-ranked Pittsburgh Penguins, according to the latest NHL power poll here at Odds Shark.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Ottawa Senators No. 22-ranked offense (2.58 goals per game) against a Pittsburgh Penguins defense that ranks No. 17 at 2.78 goals per game allowed. The Senators Sportsbook has clicked at a 16.44% rate while the Penguins have a 80% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Next Betting Matchups
Pittsburgh at Ottawa, Friday, May 19th