The NHL Playoffs are kind of a jumbled mess at the moment. Apart from the Colorado Avalanche boat racing Nashville, everything is relatively even. Sportsbooks haven’t really panicked yet, making only a few slight tweaks to the odds. That is why betting on the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Eastern Conference is interesting at +750.
Let’s start by saying this. The Touchback is still all in on the Florida Panthers who we bet on to win the Stanley Cup back in August. However, there is nothing wrong with running a little hedge. Especially considering just how topsy-turvy things are looking right now.
With that being the case, you could do a lot worse than wagering on the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Eastern Conference this year. None of the eight teams have looked particularly dominate so far. That being said, the Pens have been really good offensively in three postseason games against the New York Rangers.
That brings us to the downside of this bet. The Pens have goaltender issues. Louis Domingue is currently starting in net after backup Casey DeSmith was injured earlier in the playoffs. However, positive news could be on the horizon. Starter Tristan Jarry was seen skating for the first time since breaking his foot. A recovery seems likely should Pittsburgh advance.
The All-Star’s return could provide the boost Sidney Crosby and company need to make a run to the Stanley Cup. Of course, New York could overwhelm Domingue and take the next three games with easy. But with the way the Penguins are scoring, they have a shot regardless in that series.
There are a lot of good teams in the Eastern Conference, but each one has its flaws. Throwing $10 on Pittsburgh at +750 is worth considering because that number will only go down from here. Of course, we’re still holding out hope for the Panthers to win the Stanley Cup.
Read More: The NHL Hall of Fame player no team wanted or needed
