By Greg Dempson
Pinnacle – Pittsburgh Penguins +119 v San Jose Sharks -131 Total 5.5 O+135 U-149
Well the Sharks tanked in the first two games in Pittsburgh, are they capable of a game 3 victory? It is most certainly a pivotal game as very few teams have come back from a 3–0 deficit to win the Stanley Cup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs did it vs. Detroit in 1942 and just trailing 3 – 0 in any round of the playoffs and winning four straight games is a daunting task. In the history of the league only 4 teams out of 181 have succeeded, that’s 2.2%.
The Islanders accomplished that feat in 1975 against Pittsburgh, the Penguins won four straight in 1977 vs. the Bruins and the Kings were the most recent team to win a series trailing 3 – 0 and they did it against the Sharks in 2014. So, if San Jose loses tonight, you now have the stats as to how difficult this is.
Are the Sharks too slow or is Pittsburgh too quick? In game one of the series in the first period San Jose basically stood around while Pittsburgh buzzed around the entire ice surface. In the first two games the Sharks were outshot 71–48.
Money Line or The Total
· I do believe the Sharks can win tonight’s game but I’m not willing to lay –135 on the money line. As for the total if you like the under at 5.5 goals you must put up –145 and the take back on over 5.5 goals is +135.
· Numerous off shore books offer you an opportunity to lay 1 goal in regulation time. That prop is available tonight at +179, so for you to cash that wager San Jose would have to win 2–0, 3–1, 4–2, etcetera. I strongly suggest you pass on that bet as 12 of the last 14 Stanley Cup final games have been decided by exactly one goal.
· Pittsburgh last trip to the West Coast was vs. the Ducks on December 6 and they last played out of the Eastern Time Zone on Jan. 18 in St. Louis.
· San Jose had a better road record this season as they are 25 – 25 at home in regular season and playoff games but they have fared well vs. the Penguins throught the years holding an 11–1–1 edge at home.
NHL Pick
My Every Edge selection for tonight’s game is to take the Sharks at –½ goal in regulation time at +125.
For additional winning systems and selections visit www.gregdempson.com.