Penguins Playoff Odds Get Another Major Boost
With a three-game winning streak, the Pittsburgh Penguins are sniffing a return to the postseason.
PITTSBURGH – In a wild turn of events from just a few weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins sit two points out of a playoff spot. The Penguins wrapped up a four-game road trip with their third straight win in what was arguably their biggest contest of the season.
Returning home and with six games remaining, the Penguins are right back in the hunt and hold a 20% chance of reaching the postseason. According to moneypuck.com, the Penguins’ victory over the Washington Capitals made things reasonably even across the playoff race.
The Capitals’ loss sunk their chances to 36.8% after hovering around the mid-50s just a few days ago. Their loss and a big win from the New York Islanders pushed the Capitals out of playoff positioning.
The Islanders secured two huge points to leapfrog into the second wild card spot. At 36.5%, they are nearly even with the Capitals.
The hunt for the Eastern Conference wild card has turned into a four-team race, and the Detroit Red Wings may have the best position. Money Puck gives the Red Wings a 44.9% chance of reaching the playoffs. Their game in hand over the Islanders and Penguins gives them that edge.
For the time being, the Philadelphia Flyers are still holding down the third spot in the Metropolitan Division. Each of the Islanders, Capitals, and Penguins is one good day away from jumping over the wild card and straight into third in the Metro.
Thanks to their recent poor run of 2-5-3, the Flyers are still in a playoff spot, but things are slipping. Money Puck gives them a 60.8% chance of staying in proper playoff position.
It hasn’t been the most entertaining race, but the NHL Playoffs are weeks away. The Penguins have resurrected their season and new energy for the final stretch. The odds are still long for them, but they are getting better with each passing game.
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