This is a 9* play on PITTSBURGH

This is a massive game for the Penguins. We think its crucial for them to finish in the top three in the Metropolitan and thus avoid either division winner in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Right now, they are tied for third place with Carolina at 83 points. Washington leads the division with 89 points and has won its last seven games. But they've gotten to play Ottawa, Philadelphia, New Jersey and the Rangers twice during the win streak, so really all they've done is take advantage of a favorable schedule. Pittsburgh just snapped Boston's 19-game point streak with a 4-2 win Sunday. They have gone 9-3-2 the last 14 games themselves with 27 goals scored in the last eight games. Each side figures to start its top goaltender in this one and both Matt Murray and Braden Holtby have been exceptional of late. With Pittsburgh 36-15 their last 51 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150 though, they get the nod tonight on home ice. Play on PITTSBURGH

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