Read The Game Day’s May 24 NHL Playoffs Bets involving the Pittsburgh Penguins, a goal-line surprise, over/under, and center Sidney Crosby’s shot total. See our best picks for Game 5 against the New York Islanders Monday night.
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May 24 NHL Playoffs Game Result Bets and Prop
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders
Over 2.5 shots (-140) at BetMGM Sportsbook
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The Pittsburgh Penguins looked a bit lost on Saturday against the New York Islanders. Sidney Crosby only had two shots and one of those came in “garbage time" during the 4-1 Game 4 loss. Crosby managed just two shots each in Games 3 and 4. The Pittsburgh center had five shots each in Games 1 and 2 at home.
Expect Crosby to be much more active from the beginning on Monday night as Pittsburgh attempts to exert its influence. The -140 number looks quite reasonable given what happened on Long Island.
Pittsburgh Penguins (-140) on the moneyline
The number here is so far staying at -140 and still attractive enough to bet on Monday night. Pittsburgh split the first two meetings in this series at home with the New York Islanders. However, the Penguins were 22-4-2 at home in 2021. Pittsburgh is just a much more resilient team at PPG Paints Arena.
New York helps Pittsburgh by forcing a sense of urgency into them especially given how listless Pittsburgh looked in Game 4 with Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup. Do not expect that type of effort again from the Penguins at home. Take the moneyline.
Game Goals Total: Over 5.5 (+110)
So, this may be a bit dicey, but Games 1 and 3 went to the over easily. Game 1 saw seven goals scored and Game 3 featured nine goals in all. This has been a series where the coaches have been able to influence the series only so much. It does seem to make sense that the offenses have only been able to dominate in waves.
New York possesses the ability to score in timely situations while Pittsburgh scores in waves. That confluence tends to favor picking the over at plus money on Monday night.
New York Islanders +1.5 (-225) on the goal line
This is probably a bet to wager the smallest on because of the lack of return. However, three of the four games in this first-round series have had a margin of one goal (two in the favor of Pittsburgh). No one would be surprised by a fourth in five contests as the series gets tighter and tighter.
Again, New York’s ability to score timely goals keeps the game close enough to pick the Islanders at +1.5 goals.
