NHL Betting Insider - Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Bruins
by Ian James
NHL Tuesday Night Preview
The hottest game on ice has a busy schedule on Tuesday. Those doing any NHL betting can pick from six intriguing contests – here's two of the marquee matchups . . .
Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Bruins
The Bruins took a much-needed win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, snapping a three-game skid and getting just their second win in the last six games. Boston found life with the man advantage, scoring two power-play goals versus Buffalo, giving the team its first goals with the man advantage since October 22. The Bruins have struggled to score this season, averaging just over two goals per game. Injuries and illness are the main cause of this scoring drought.
The Penguins are suffering through some scoring issues of their own heading into Tuesday. A West Coast road swing wrapped with back-to-back losses against the Kings and Sharks in which the team scored just two total goals. Injuries have also slowed Pittsburgh's progress and left head coach Dan Bylsma to scramble his lines, mixing his stars with minor-league callups. The Pens split their four meetings with the Bruins last season, winning the most recent matchup 6-4 at home in March.
Minnesota Wild at Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are on a winning streak. It may be only two wins in a row, but it's a streak nonetheless. Toronto is coming off a huge victory over the Red Wings at home Saturday. Goaltender Jonas Gustavsson stood on his head, stopping 35 of 36 shots, and getting help from his blueline. The Leafs' forward corps is also coming around. Newly acquired Phil Kessel is settling into his role with the team, totaling three points in the past two games.
The Wild are grinding out wins, taking three of their last four games in one-goal fashion. Minnesota has benefited from quick starts, scoring five of its eight goals in the first period in those wins. The Wild have taken the lead and then relied on their blueline and solid work from goaltender Niklas Backstrom, who can pick up his 100th career victory with a win against the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Minnesota won last season's lone meeting between these teams. Going back to 2000, Toronto leads this series 5-2.
