NHL January 11th, 2010

 Jan. 11th, 2010 NHL POD


Pittsburgh @ Minnesota
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been struggling of late. coming off a big rival loss to Philly the managed to rebound against Toronto Saturday night. The Pens lost Brooks Orpik early in Saturdays game and managed the win without his services. Pittsburgh visits Minnesota Monday night.

Minnesota scoored 4 goals in the 3rd period of their last game against Chicago and won the game in the shootout. This is the 3rd home game in a row and Minnesota is 2-0 in the first two. Both of these teams have been struggling on the powerplay as of late but the Wilds goaltending has been suspect of late.
Penguins are 1-6-1 in the last 8 meetings but the road team is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Tough spot here for Pittsburgh but Minnesota has been losing games of late and allowing above 3 goals in all but one of the last 7 games. I like Pittsburgh to jump out early and maintain 60 minutes of hard hitting action against the Western opponent. Pens will improve their recod tonight, especially if they can get the power play clicking now that Sergie Gonchar is back.

Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 Monday games.

Penguins are 36-16 in their last 52 when their opponent allows 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Penguins are 15-7 in their last 22 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Penguins are 21-10 in their last 31 vs. a team with a losing record.
Penguins are 35-17 in their last 52 games playing on 1 days rest.
Penguins are 39-19 in their last 58 games following a win.
Wild are 2-5 in their last 7 Monday games.

Wild are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 5 goals or more in their previous game

Play

Pittsburgh Penguins -145/100
-290/200
LOSS -290