The Penguins are now 3 years removed from their Stanley Cup winning run that occurred back in 2009. Last year they looked poised to have another run to the finals at the midpoint of the season with Sidney Crosby tearing up the league, but as we all know the hit at the Winter Classic, followed by a harmless looking Hedman hit a few days later put Crosby out with a concussion and he was never able to return. On top of this the team was without their secondary superstar and 2009 Conn Smythe winner, Evgeni Malkin for the second half as well. The Pens were still able to make the playoffs though and were actually only 1 point away from the Capitals who led the East. In the first round they were able to outplay the Lightning, but the lack of their top players really showed up on the scoreboard as the Penguins weren’t able to turn their pressure into goals and eventually lost in 7 games.
This season, we know that Malkin is back and ready to go. Crosby is another story. The concussion isn’t completely healed, but he seems convinced he will play at some point this season, but we can’t be sure of when. The main loss from last season is Maxime Talbot who was a real character guy for the team. The Pens did bring in Steve Sullivan, but his top game days look to be behind him. Regardless, the Penguins were a force to be reckoned with in the second half last season. Add Crosby and Malkin and you have the makings of an amazing team. The Penguins should continue to win early in the season even with Crosby out of the lineup and it may be possible to find some great Pittsburgh Penguins bets if the oddsmakers put too much weight on the absence of Crosby. Either way, check out our daily NHL picks to see if there are any sharp bets for or against the Penguins this season.
Best Sportsbook for Pittsburgh Penguins Betting
5Dimes.com is our top rated NHL sportsbook for a variety of reasons. First of all they offer the best lines on nearly every game throughout the season and those savings add up over the course of the year. Second of all 5Dimes accepts bettors from around the world including the United States and Canada. Visit 5Dimes.com to bet on the Penguins.
Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup Betting Odds – Updated September 16th, 2011
The Penguins odds to win the Stanley Cup are currently listed at +1000 at Bodog.eu. This is the best line that I could find online, making it one of the rare times that 5Dimes.com does not offer the best NHL betting line. Visit Bodog.eu to place your Penguins Stanley Cup bet. 5Dimes offers a division winner bet for the Penguins of +125 if they win the Atlantic.
Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup Prediction
I do like the Penguins chances of winning the Cup this year. The team will learn to play without Crosby early in the season and then his return should skyrocket them to one of the top few contenders. Malkin is ready to return to the top of his game and if Malkin and Crosby are both clicking at the same time some might say the Pens are unstoppable. I don’t expect them to win the Atlantic crown however, because I really like what the Flyers have done in the offseason and even the Devils or Rangers have a shot at the division if the pieces fall into place.
Visit Bodog to bet on the Pens to win the Stanley Cup. Or 5Dimes.com for all your other NHL betting needs.
Also, be sure to like our facebook page in order to receive daily predictions to your newsfeed!
Tagged with: Penguins Betting • Penguins Odds • Penguins Prediction • pittsburgh penguins • Stanley Cup Odds