After two games, anyone who has been watching the Stanley Cup Finals has to be exhausted, as the speed of the Sharks and the Penguins is dizzying just to watch — let alone play. The Penguins head to San Jose with a 2-0 lead, thanks to a 3-2 win in Game 1 and a 2-1 overtime win in Game 2. Those scores are lower than what one might expect in a series that is traveling this fast, but both of these teams play the speed game — and play defense too. Don’t forget to check out for more NHL betting lines by clicking here.
Closer Look at the Free Stanley Cup Pick on Pittsburgh at San Jose Game 3 & TV Info
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016, 8:00pm Eastern time
Where: SAP Center, San Jose
TV: NBCSports
Radio: Pittsburgh / San JoseLive Stream: NHL.tvNHL Odds: Sharks -145, Penguins +125 (5.5 goals)
Why should you bet on Pittsburgh?
Sidney Crosby went to the sandlot (if you will) to draw up the play that would give the Pens their overtime winner in Game 2. His play found Conor Sheary in the right place to score the goal that would give Pittsburgh that 2-0 advantage. Home teams have gone up 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Final 36 times and won the Cup 33 times. However, of the three losses, two have happened since 2009. Brian Murray has been terrific once again in goal, as this flurry of saves shows. The Sharks need to find a way to get more pucks past Murray at home.
Why should you put your money on the Sharks?
The Sharks are down 2-0, but their goal differential is only -2. They had tied Game 2 in the third period with a big goal by Justin Braun with 4:05 left. The Sharks are doing the physical work to pry the puck from the Penguins and to go the other way. However, the Penguins are outshooting the Sharks 71-48 after two games. Even so, San Jose is 7-2 at home this postseason, and they need to show that extra gear that they showed when they were putting the St. Louis Blues away in the West finals.
Expert Betting Pick and Final Prediction
I like the Sharks to take advantage of the energy of their home rink to put more offense to work. I’m predicting a 3-2 San Jose win.
