Fans betting on hockey can eagerly await a crucial game 6 where it is do or die for the Penguins, after the Lightning put them at the edge of the abyss.
Much like when Shawn Michaels did to Bret Hart at Wrestlemania XII, the Tampa Bay Lightning delivered Sweet Chin Music to the Pittsburg Penguins at overtime in game 5, leaving them one win away from the Stanley Cup Finals. Adding insult to injury, the Penguins had invited the original Heartbreak Kid himself to attend the game. Michaels was in attendance wearing a Penguins jersey, after Pittsburg fans invited him to witness the HBK line of Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel, it all seemed like a celebration that came crashing down when Tyler Johnson scored after just 53 seconds of overtime. The Lighting now gets the series back at Tampa, looking to seal the deal.
However, the Penguins still have a shot of pushing this game to seven games, and at this moment they are still the sports betting favorites to win it on the road.
Penguins -1½ (+215) ML: -135
Lightning +1½ (-255) ML: +115
O/U 5½ (-130)
The Penguins are a resilient team that was able to reach the Conference finals after beating the Ranger and the favorite Capitals. They have been highly picked by fans betting on hockey since the series began. Now they are with their backs against the wall, looking to force a game seven at home, still they are being the most picked team (so far).
The Lightning being this close to the Stanley Cup finals shouldn’t be all that shocking after the post season run they had. Although they have not yet done the deed, they have been impressive. Now, after Kucherov had a monster performance at game 5, and Vasilevskiy provided 31 saves, you have to like their chances. But going out and predicting a winner in this series is tough, especially if the Penguins are involved. Game Five will be tense, to say the least, and it shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody if the game reaches overtime.
It should be worth pointing out that the goal line for this game is very attractive considering how through out the series these two teams have covered and gone for the Over in 4 games. For game 6, we are seeing that perhaps the defenses and the goalies will have outstanding games, or the front lines might have some trouble finding the net, but game 6 seems to have a low score outcome on its way. Even it if’s just barely coming at a 5, the under seems like a good pick for sports betting.
Despite being left facing the lights and with the cover nearly reaching 3, the Penguins are going to kick-out, and for a game seven. This must win situation will provide them with enough motivation to grant fans betting o hockey an exciting and sure to-be-classic game 7. Perhaps then, they will be able to deliver some Sweet Chin Music of their own.