Penguins To Face Capitals As Underdogs In Game 7

Tonight, the NHL will put it's two premier stars on display, in most crucial of games, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals will both try to lead their teams, one step further in the Playoffs, and only one can succeed. Game 7s are always dramatic, and when you put two stars on the ice, like Crosby and Ovechkin, the drama should be intense.

This series has been pretty tight all the way. Currently, the series all square at 3 to 3, but it began with the Capitals taking the first two games, taking a 2-0 series lead. As the series headed to Pittsburgh, the Penguins stormed back, took both games in Pittsburgh, along with game 5, in Washington, taking a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 was tight, and went into overtime, where the Capitals were able to stave off elimination, and force game 7. In the six games played, 3 have gone into overtime, and 5 were decided by one goal. To say these two teams are evenly matched, is an understatement.

If the Penguins are going to overcome the home ice advantage, they are going to need to get production from other players. Sidney Crosby can't do it by himself, as the Penguins will also depend on Malkin. On the other hand, Alexander Ovechkin is dangerous. He is capable of altering a game by himself but he will be relying on Backstrom to feed him the puck so he can work his magic.

Since Pittsburgh is going on the road, the oddsmakers have the Penguins as an underdog. Las Vegas current sees the Penguins down 1 1/2 goals at -250, or at +115 on the money line. Total for the game is at 5 1/2 goals at -130 for the over. USA Sportsbooks are taking bets on these now and the lines may change closer to game time. Pittsburgh will still be the underdog, but the payouts could change. Game 7 starts at 7p EST, Wednesday, May 13th.