NHL Preview: Devils Host Penguins, Lightning Strikes Washington

With the majority of National Hockey League teams down to the final 15 or so games on their regular season schedules, the race for the playoffs is heating up. Friday night brings us a plethora of NHL games and NHL hockey betting lines, so let’s take a look at some of the key games for this evening:

Pittsburgh Penguins (2.10) at New Jersey Devils (1.77)

The Penguins look to do something that’s been extremely difficult this season: defeat the Devils. New Jersey leads the season series by a commanding 4-0 count thus far, thanks in large part to some outstanding defensive efforts. The Devils haven’t allowed more than a single goal in any game vs. Pittsburgh this year (2-0, 4-0, 4-1, 4-1) and haven’t lost to the Pens at home since December of 2008.

Both teams do, however, come into this game on something of a high. Despite last night’s 4-3 overtime loss in Carolina, the Penguins have been good as of late, having won their four previous contests (prior to the ‘Canes game). Pittsburgh is being led by the scoring prowess of Sidney Crosby, who has 11 goals and six assists over his last 11 games, but he has not found the back of the net this season against New Jersey.

The Devils, meanwhile, are coming off a solid 6-3 win over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. While that was just New Jersey’s fourth win in its last 12 games, the team looked as though it waas rounding into form and should be primed to make a strong push as the regular season comes to a close.

Tampa Bay Lightning (3.70) at Washington Capitals (1.29)

It’s now or never for the Lightning. And that’s not a great proposition when facing the white-hot Capitals at the Verizon Center.

Tampa has fallen on hard times as of late, losing seven of its last eight and, more importantly, major ground in the chase for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. While the Lightning did gain a single point in last night’s 4-3 OT loss to Toronto, they’re still chasing the likes of Boston and Montreal in the East but don’t seem to be making up any ground.

There are no such worries in Washington, however. The Caps have been great since the Olympic break, winning four of their last five and solidifying their position atop the conference standings. And, given their recent success against the Lightning, the Caps are primed to further solidify that position tonight. Washington has won three of the four games these two have played this season, including two straight at the Verizon Center. Led by all-world forward Alexander Ovechkin (94 points, tops in the NHL), Washington has a commanding 14-point lead on second-place Pittsburgh in the East and recently became the first team in the league to clinch its division and a playoff spot.

Other games of note this evening:

New York Rangers (1.87) at Atlanta Thrashers (1.95)

Minnesota Wild (2.70) at Buffalo Sabres (1.50)

Los Angeles Kings (2.05) at Dallas Stars (1.80)

Nashville Predators (2.25) at Anaheim Ducks (1.69)

If you’d like to check out these NHL betting options or other hockey betting lines, head on over to the Sports Interaction online sportsbook today!