NHL Odds: Penguins Face Bruins in Boston this Thursday

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins have been two of the three hottest teams in the NHL since January 1. Following an eventual trade deadline, the squads face off on Thursday (7 PM ET) for a preview of a likely Eastern Conference playoff matchup. The Boston Bruins made one of the biggest splashes this trade deadline, picking up the former 40-goal scorer, Rick Nash from the New York Rangers. With 84 points on the season and 21 games still to play, the Bruins look poised to give Tampa Bay a run for their money for top spot in the East. They'll be without the best all-round player on their team for an indefinite period, however, as Patrice Bergeron suffered a fractured foot while blocking a shoton Saturday. Pittsburgh, too, was active over the trade deadline, picking up Derek Brassard from the Ottawa Senators. Brassard is set to slot in as the team's third line centre behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and will give the Penguins arguably the best top three centre combination in the NHL. The Pens also suffered injury news this week, however, as Matt Murray was diagnosed with a concussion and will be out indefinitely.

NHL Odds: Nash and the Bruins take on Sid and the Pens

In just his third game in a Bruins uniform, Rick Nash has come as advertised. He potted a goal on Tuesday against the Hurricanes, and appears dangerous every shift he's on the ice. He'll look to take advantage of Pittsburgh's backup netminder on Thursday (7 PM ET). With the unfortunate injury to Matt Murray, the Penguins will look to rookie Casey DeSmith to carry the load. They'll put even more pressure on the offensively-gifted Pens to find the back of the net, as the rookie can't be expected to shut down the door every night. Look for a high-scoring affair out of this matchup. As Pittsburgh and Boston get ready to face each other, all eyes will be on left wing Rick Nash and goaltender Casey DeSmith. Nash has been fantastic in his first two games with the Bruins, while DeSmith has been thrust into the starter's role due to Matt Murray's concussion. Both players will be front-and-centre in this Eastern Conference battle. Dealing with significant injuries on both sides of the rink, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins get ready for battle between Eastern Conference foes. The Bruins' centre Patrice Bergeron suffered a fractured foot on Saturday while blocking a shot, while the Pens' Matt Murray suffered a concussion. Both players are out indefinitely. Watch out for an offensive outburst this Thursday when the Pittsburgh Penguins head to Boston to take on Rick Nash and the Boston Bruins. There will be a ton of skilled offensive players on the ice for both sides in this one, so expect to see some quality offense in this matchup. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins head to Boston to take on the Bruins in a likely preview of an Eastern Conference playoff series. Both teams seem poised for the postseason, and have added to their roster for the final push.

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