Mark Lammey
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Friday night provides a huge 15-game slate for the penultimate day of the season. There is still a lone matchup on Sunday, but it is a meaningless one for the postseason. That makes tonight not only important, but also overwhelming to navigate all markets. Not to worry, we have you covered. Let’s take a look at some valuable opportunities with the Penguins and Predators. Along with our player props, be sure to check out our full game previews for tonight’s matchups.
Sidney Crosby over 1.5 points (+130)
The Penguins are one of few teams with something to play for and should be motivated on home ice. Pittsburgh still has the possibility of being knocked down to the wild-card spot should the Capitals finish ahead of them. That is of huge importance as that would have them facing the Panthers in the first round of the playoffs rather than the Rangers. While New York is still a high-caliber team, they are not the offensive juggernaut of the Panthers.
The Penguins want to avoid that goal-scoring ability even more now with starting goaltender Tristan Jarry injured. Thankfully, Crosby and company should be able to help avoid that Friday night. They’ll get to face the Blue Jackets, who are one of the worst goaltending teams in the league. They’ve allowed 3.83 goals per game on the road, and now have to travel into Pittsburgh after taking on the high-powered Lightning last night. Meanwhile, the Penguins have been off since Tuesday and average nearly 3.5 goals per game at home. Crosby is a primary reason for that success with his 84 points in 68 games. He has now averaged over a point per game in all 17 years he has been in the NHL. He’s an absolute stud and should showcase that on Friday night.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Filip Forsberg over 0.5 goals (+120)
The Predators are in a similar situation to the Penguins. They are heavily motivated to earn the top wild-card spot rather than the second. That will have them facing the Flames in the first round of the playoffs, rather than the Stanley Cup-favorite Avalanche. It will be a tough series either way, but the Preds will take the best of a difficult situation. Thankfully, they’ll get to do so against the league’s worst team in the Coyotes. It may be a road game, but the Preds have already proven to dominate in Arizona. In their last meeting in the southwest back in January, the Predators took down the Coyotes 4-2.
They were led by Roman Josi’s 2 points; however, Filip Forsberg was also out for that game. Now with the all-star in the lineup, he should be able to contribute to help Nashville secure the top wild card spot. He had an assist last night, but 5 shots on goal. He’s clearly taking his chances and one should find the back of the net tonight. The Preds will need him to add to his 42-goal season more than ever; they are on a back-to-back and starting a very inexperienced goaltender, Connor Ingram. Forsberg and company should have no issues doing so as the Coyotes allow 3.75 goals per game at home, the 2nd-worst in the league. Expect the Coyotes to be left howling by the true Predator of Forsberg.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for the Nashville Predators vs Arizona Coyotes
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