Philadelphia at Pittsburgh

The NHL regular season has come and gone, and the playoffs open with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins won 29 times at home this season, which was more than any other Eastern Conference team. Pittsburgh is peaking at exactly the right time and will ride momentum into the playoffs.  They closed with a three game winning streak, as well as finishing 18-5 in their last 23 games, which included 12-2 on home ice. The Flyers were not so impressive down the stretch closing out their last dozen games at 6-6, including 3-4 in their last seven. Pittsburgh is not only playing good hockey, they have risen above their great play with a strong 17-4 mark in their last 21 vs. a winning team and, off of three days rest, have been a perfect 4-0 in their last four. Take Pittsburgh in the opener.