Feature Image: Mar 10, 2020; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Brandon Tanev (13) skates with the puck during the third period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL is entering uncharted territory, as no season in the league’s history had ever been suspended midway through, only to start up again — until now, that is. This is taking fans of sports betting, in particular Pittsburgh Penguins Betting, by storm as they prepare to make their name and play their game with their favorite team.
A lockout is one thing, as the league has experienced that type of issue to impact a season in the past. In fact, the 1992 strike caused the 1991-92 NHL season to be shortened by 30 games. However, that was far different, as it only resulted in a simple delay to the season, while now, players must deal with the incredibly difficult challenge of having had a suspension in play, while quarantined at home, with months passing. Not only that, they’ll have to do whatever it takes to avoid getting infected by the coronavirus, which continues to sweep the country, and has been surging in the Southern region especially. And now, they must attempt to “flip the switch,” getting back together to begin skating with their teammates again, for only a few weeks, until they must then suddenly get into game shape — in playoffs mode, no less, at the highest level.
Mar 10, 2020; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and defenseman Marcus Pettersson (28) celebrate the Malkin goal during the third period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
And that’s why we think a veteran, experienced team like the Pittsburgh Penguins has a sizable advantage heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Penguins’ veteran superstars — Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin — have each won three Stanley Cup titles. They may not be the best duo in the NHL, as they once were, but they’re still arguably one of the top three, and they know how to win. They’re smart enough to be able to keep in shape, then adjust on the fly to the new format, while younger players could struggle.
And maybe the break was exactly what the Penguins needed. The team was rolling midseason, but a few injuries saw them enter a losing streak, and they finished the last 10 games with a paltry 3-7 record. But now, they’ll have new life, with plenty of time to heal their injuries, heading into the playoffs.
No team has played more postseason games in the past decade than the Penguins, so we’d imagine their players and coaches have been putting their heads together in virtual meetings, preparing for a number of teams they may meet in the playoffs. And sure, 24 teams makes the field wide open, but our money would be on an experienced team like them to be able to adjust to all the radical changes thrown at them, so keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Penguins Betting going forward.