Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators: Game 3 prediction

Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals should be a critical turning point in the series. Who will win between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators? 

Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals saw the Pittsburgh Penguins give the Ottawa Senators a taste of their own medicine. Their stifling defense kept the visitors off the board as the Pens won 1-0 to even the series at one game a piece. Ottawa will be getting a boost returning home to the Canadian Tire Centre for Games 3 and 4.

The Senators have to be happy the series is split, but at the same time, there is some cause for concern. Ottawa has had success because of head coach Guy Boucher’s neutral zone trap. In Game 2, the Penguins seem to have finally figured it out. The scoreboard doesn’t reflect how often Pittsburgh had the puck. It’s very hard to generate offense when the other team has the puck most of the time. With Justin Schultz, Bryan Rust and Patric Hornqvist out, Ottawa must capitalize by winning in Game 3.

On the other side of the ice, the Penguins are looking to take the lead in the series. While they’ll have to do so without three of their top players, this isn’t new for them. Pittsburgh managed to beat the Washington Capitals in Game 4 in the second round even without captain Sidney Crosby. It’ll be up to Marc-Andre Fleury to lead their defense as he’s done throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs so far. Evgeni Malkin quietly leads all NHL players in postseason scoring.

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Prediction

The Senators are the ones feeling the pressure right now. They know they have to win with the Penguins down a few guys. However, Pittsburgh has very capable replacements thanks to their depth.

Ottawa 3, Pittsburgh 2