The Pittsburgh Penguins did everything they needed to do to flip the script from Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semis against the Washington Capitals. They dominated much of the game en route to a 2-1 victory at the Verizon Center to level this series at a game apiece. Now, the scene shifts back to the Steel City for what should be a great atmosphere on Monday night for Game 3.
You can bet on NHL odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Get used to seeing that line of -120 in this series on the home team. That's about what we're going to see in each of these games.
The Caps were laying -125 in Game 1 and -121 in Game 2, and now Pittsburgh figures to be doing the same for Games 3 and 4.
There wasn't much alteration in the total between Games 1 and 2 at a flat 5, and that should stay the same after both goalies put on a good show on Saturday night.
GOALIE REPORT
At this point, would Marc-Andre Fleury even take over in the pipes for the Pens if he got past his concussion problems? Matthew Murray had another remarkable game on Saturday, stopping 23-of-24 shots to get his fourth win in five games since taking over for Jeff Zatkoff. The kid has been amazing in every facet of his game, and he looks as calm as could be against one of the best offenses in hockey.
It's tough to argue with Braden Holtby either. He went 33-of-35 in Game 2, and though he allowed the goal to Eric Fehr which very well could change this series, he made a slew of great saves, particularly in the second period when things really could've gotten out of hand.
LIVE BETTING
After two periods of play in Game 2, the Caps were being outshot 28-10. The ice was completely slanted in one direction, and the hosts deserve all the credit in the world for staying in the game even though things could've really gone south in a hurry.
The big problem we had with Washington in the third was that it couldn't seem to capitalize on its moment which it built up when Marcus Johansson scored the game-tying goal early in the period. The Verizon Center was begging for a second goal to blow the roof off the building, but it just never came.
It's a sign that Pittsburgh is for real in this series for sure, but there's fault that goes around here for Washington as well for not seizing the opportunity.
QUICK PICK
Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov had miserable games for the Capitals on Saturday night, and if these two don't get their head back in the game in a hurry, Pittsburgh will be up 3-1 by the time this series gets back to D.C.
For as well as Holtby has played, he's just faced far too many shots. He's going to have another great game on Monday night, but the Penguins will probably have the answers once again to take their first series lead.
NHL Odds: Penguins 2, Capitals 1
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! Game 3 of this series between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins will commence on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ET at the CONSOL Energy Center. The contest will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network.
