Despite being out-shot decidedly by 37-19 margin, Pittsburgh’s two power play goals were the margin of difference in 5-3 victory in Game three. The Penguins have rattled off seven straight postseason wins without a loss and have scored at least one power play goal in each contest.

Pittsburgh is 37-17 in their last 54 games and will battle the Rangers again without having to face one of their peskiest players. Already nearly buried, New York learned F Sean Avery suffered a lacerated spleen during Tuesday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh. Avery was injured from a hit, possibly in the first period, but played throughout the game despite worsening pain. He took seven shifts in the first period, five in the second, and seven in the third. He spent 4 minutes, 58 seconds on the ice in the final frame—only 10 seconds fewer than the first. Reports of him suffering cardiac arrest ran rampant for a few hours on the internet, before official injury was confirmed.

Avery is a noted loudmouth agitator, with skills that will be missed. New York could also be without centers Chris Drury and Blair Betts as well for Game four. Coach Tom Renney said Betts might have facial fractures after he was struck while blocking a shot in the second period. Drury was hampered by a torso injury that also occurred in the middle frame. The Rangers are a mere 3-7 ATS after allowing five or more goals.

With all the problems for the Blueshirts, Pittsburgh has gone from even money to -120 road favorite at Bookmaker.com, with total at Un5.5. The Penguins are 8-0 after their opponent allowed five or more goals and New York is 0-5 as home underdogs. 

 
In the other potential series closer, Detroit is a large -155 road favorite at Colorado. The fierce rivalry has fizzled. Usually a hotly contested, physical tussle, the Colorado-Detroit series hasn’t lived up to its past. Then again, the Red Wings have thoroughly dominated the series, leading 3-0 heading into Game four on Thursday night at the Pepsi Center. None of the five previous playoff series between the two rivals has ended in a sweep.

The Red Wings are 12-2 in road games off a road win this season and are saying all the right things not to ignite the Avalanche. “It feels like the series is a lot closer than us being up 3-0,” Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. “They’re coming at us pretty hard.” Detroit is 45-14 when favored in a -151 to -200 money line range.

 
Colorado is up against the wall and they know it. “Everyone knows that we are facing elimination,” captain Joe Sakic said. “You have to try to find a way to win the hockey game and try to get some momentum on your side.” For the Avs it is a matter of trying to win each period tonight and hopefully head back to Detroit. Colorado has won 11 of last 14 home games.

Although the Avs are enticing +135 home underdogs, the Red Wings are like Mariano Riveria of the Yankees as a closer, finishing of teams 85 percent of the time attempting to close out a playoff series (17-3). 

 

The action begins on Versus Network starting at 7 Eastern.