Penguins vs. Senators: Game 7 prediction

Who will win Game 7 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators? 

The Ottawa Senators pulled off a 2-1 win in Game 6 at home to force a Game 7 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now they’ll have to travel to PPG Paints Arena and win if they want to make it to the Stanley Cup Final. The final game of the Eastern Conference Finals should be an unforgettable one, fitting for such a close series.

Ottawa nearly didn’t sell out Game 6, but the fans who came who treated to a heck of a game. Craig Anderson put the Senators on his back, stopping 45 shots on goal. Mike Hoffman gave Ottawa the lead they never relinquished. It’ll be up to captain Erik Karlsson and Anderson to lead the Senators to their first Stanley Cup appearance since the 2006-07 season. Ottawa was able to overcome a 7-0 loss in Game 5 to extend the series. Head coach Guy Boucher is no stranger to Games 7 against the Pens, as his Tampa Bay Lightning beat them back in 2011.

On the other side of the ice, Pittsburgh has to feel confident about their chances going into Game 7. They significantly outshot the Senators 46 to 30 in Game 6. Plus, the Penguins will be at home, where they have been very good this season. They’re looking to make it to their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final and defend their title. It’s up to Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin to lead Pittsburgh back to the promised land.

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Prediction

This game should be a classic. Pittsburgh has the ever so slight upper hand because they’re experienced and they have home ice advantage on their side. Ottawa has to win a critical game on the road and the odds are definitely against them. Expect Pittsburgh to win this one.

Penguins beat Senators 3-1.