BEST LINES: Pinnacle -½ +106 Bet365 -½ +105 SportsInteraction -½ +105 5DIMES -½ +105

Posted at 10:30 AM EST.

8:00 PM EST. Regulation only. There are many ways to bet this series and we’re going to try and capitalize on a series we trust will not be close, which is not an opinion based on several things. First, if so inclined, one could bet the team and the exact number of games that they’ll win the series in. The sharpest sportsbook on the planet, Pinnacle, has Pittsburgh in five games as the shortest price of every possible outcome. That’s the first sign that this series will not be close and it’s really the only sign needed.

Next, we have Nashville’s layoff. You might remember that during the regular season, each team was given a bye week and upon returning, 95% of them played like trash. Nashville hasn’t played a game in seven days while Pittsburgh has had the perfect layoff time, having defeated Ottawa on Thursday, thus giving them the weekend off or three full days to recover. That’s plenty. Furthermore, the Penguins have been absolutely dominating since Matt Murray took over from Marc Andre Fleury. They also dominated last year when Murray took over full time. In last year’s Cup finals, Pittsburgh steamrolled over a highly experienced and motivated Sharks’ squad and this year’s edition of the Pens might even be better. While we take nothing away from Nashville, we trust that they’re simply ill-prepped to take this next step, which is covered in detail in our Future Wager bet found here. If you like, you could also play Pittsburgh -1½ games +137, which essentially means that if they win in six games or less, you’ll cash your ticket.

The Penguins have been written off many times this year and we’re guilty of writing them off too against both Washington and Ottawa but adversity reveals character and now the Penguins are healthier than they’ve been all season long. They are also wickedly determined and talented. The opposition not only has to deal with all that firepower and talent but they also have to deal with all that experience, great coaching and great goaltending.

As for the Preds, well, do you like stories about barbecues and country music? You better, because you’re going to get a heaping plate of both once this series gets taken over by Pittsburgh, which is likely going to happen right away. Heavy lean to the Penguins in this series and we’ll try to capitalize throughout.

Open an account today at Pinnacle Sports and take advantage of their -104 style pricing on sides and totals, which is 60% better than other sportsbooks.