T.M. Selection: Pittsburgh Penguins - ML

I like the Pittsburgh Penguins to win this game against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. This is must win territory for the Penguins. A team that hasn't missed the playoffs since the 2005-06 season. Detroit is coming in off back to back wins and are a hit or miss team. They've got a talented young squad that I expect to make some noise in the coming years. However, they are eliminated from playoff contention and I don't see them winning too many games to end the season. The Penguin are coming off a loss, which makes this game so much more important. Even if the Penguins win out, they aren't guaranteed a spot anymore. However, they must win out to give themselves a shot. In their only meeting this season, the Red Wings took it in overtime 5-4. The Penguins were up 4-0 early in that game, after the first period. If they go up 4-0 again this game, I don't expect them to blow it for the second time. With the Penguins needed this game very badly, I'm backing them this afternoon as I expect the Wings to struggle as they are just 3-6 this season off b2b wins. How exciting would it be for both conferences' playoff race to come down to the final day of the season.

T.M. Prediction: 6-3 Penguins.

Line: -166

Line Parameter: play until -235..