The NHL trade deadline isn’t the only league event quickly approaching for the Pittsburgh Penguins, so is the 2023 postseason.
While many can ponder and quibble if the Penguins are good enough to reach the playoffs, the odds continue to be pushed into their favor.
Thanks to a three-game winning streak, and some roster moves that may prove beneficial, the percentages are on the rise for Pittsburgh.
According to moneypuck.com, the Penguins now have an 89.4% chance of reaching the playoffs.
On their daily tracker, a number of teams have dropped out of the running, also helping increase the Penguins odds.
Not only are the Penguins riding a three-game winning streak, but other bubble teams have taken losses.
On the same night that the Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators, the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Islanders all lost.
The Islanders lost in a shootout giving them an overtime loss point, but not a full two; the Penguins and Islanders share the two Eastern Conference wild card spots and the Isles hold a one-point lead with 70.
The Penguins and Islanders hold the best odds of reaching the postseason; the Penguins lead the way with their 89.4% and the Islander trail with a 33.3% chance.
The Red Wings ate a regulation loss to the Ottawa Senators, who are also involved in the playoff race, but a little further behind the pack.
In terms of playoff odds according to Money Puck, the Red Wings are pulling up in last with a 2.8% chance, followed by the Washington Capitals with a 6.4% chance.
The Senators hold a 17.2% chance, a little behind the Sabres with a 28.2% opportunity.
It’s the NHL and the odds can change every day and with the trade deadline well within 100 hours, percentages are bound to swing quickly.
The Penguins have massively important games remaining, including five against teams they’re in the hunt with.
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