WA-PIT-PlayoffHopesIncreasing LAS VEGAS -- Sitting on an 8-3 win streak with Best Bets, I'm taking a look into an Eastern Conference showdown between a pair of teams hoping to become relevant in the playoff conversation before the start of the 4 Nation's Faceoff. There are 15 games on the card, but I'm intrigued by the value with the line in the Ottawa Senators-Pittsburgh Penguins clash tonight. Let's do a deep dive into this one: WHY OTTAWA: Prior to struggling through a four-game losing skid, the Senators had won nine of 12 since Dec. 5. During that stretch, through Dec. 29, the Senators led the league with 18 points thanks to a stifling defense that also led the NHL with 1.92 goals allowed per game. To get back to their winning ways, the Sens have to find their defensive play once again. WHY PITTSBURGH: The Penguins are in the middle of a five-game homestand after splitting the first two games, including Thursday's 5-3 win over Edmonton. The Pens have played their best hockey on home ice, going 12-7-3 in Pittsburgh. They've won four of their last five at at PPG Paints Arena. All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly. THE PICK: Penguins -105 -- Series domination helps us here, as Pittsburgh enters tonight with points in 15 of its last 19 games against the Senators, going 9-4-6 since March 23, 2017. Even further, since Jan. 27, 2013, Pittsburgh has points in 27 of its last 33 meetings with Ottawa (19-6-8). The Penguins are also in double-revenge in this spot, as they've dropped two-straight games to Ottawa at PPG Paints Arena. Nevertheless, they're 13-2-1 in their last 16 home games against the Senators. (Season Record: 13-13-0, Net: -125$, based on 100$ units)
