NHL Playoffs - Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

In the midst of NHL betting I said I wouldn’t write extensively about the Staal brothers in this series. It’s not the fact that they’ve agreed to a no-speaking clause between each other while the series rages on that has my attention. It’s that, as a little brother, I can’t help but feel utter joy every time Jordan Staal whoops his big brother in the circle. Jordan, you’re fighting for all of us out there. Keep up the good work!

Pittsburgh has been unstoppable on their own ice overall, but the drubbing they handed Carolina was an outright beatdown. The scoreboard shows a 3-2 win for Pittsburgh, but the Penguins dominated the first two and a half periods of Game 2. Carolina showed punch and promise, but Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal effectively took over the game. That’s why you can’t count on the Canes in this series.

NBA Betting Trend: Pittsburgh is 3-2 SU in their last 5 games against Carolina

Crosby is becoming the headline in this series. He is one of the best players in the game, but he has raised his game after vanquishing Ovechkin in the semis. Crosby notched an assist on the stat sheet, but was a crafty presence in front of the net, peppering Cam Ward like a fine steak. The Kid is hungry for the Wings in the Stanley Cup and nobody is going to stand in his way – especially Eric Staal.

The Canes are a good team, but they’re not great. It’s that simple. And when it comes to dinner table conversation, the Staal parents will be praising the emergence of Jordan as he dominates his brother in the circle. I’m banking on the little brother, and so should you.

NHL Free Pick: Pittsburgh -200 (UNDER)

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Wednesday, May 21st --- Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh --- 7:30pm EST

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