NHL Betting: Devils Win High-Scoring Tilt with Penguins

Sidney Crosby had two assists in Pittsburgh's loss. (AI Wire photo)

As far as entertainment value goes, the Pittsburgh Penguins are sure hard to beat.

Their defense has more holes than nearby Oakmont golf course and their goalie looks lost when he gets more than a skateblade away from the blue ice of his crease. And, of course, they have a collection of offensive whiz kids who're worth the price of admission themselves. Against the usually stingy New Jersey Devils Tuesday night, the Penguins were at their entertaining best, rallying from a two-goal deficit to take a lead only to end up giving it back.

A goal by Arron Asham 10:38 into the third period broke a tie and lifted the Devils to a 5-4 upset win at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. Asham's goal was set up by Zach Parise, who had three helpers, and went by Marc-Andre Fleury. At times, Fleury looked completely out of sorts on the ice, wandering away from his net at inopportune times and mishandling pucks while his defensemen skated by confused.

Travis Zajac had two goals for the Devils, and John Madden and Jay Pandolfo also scored. The underdog Devils paid +145 on the puckline (meaning a winning wager of $100 would net a $145 profit). The betting total was over six goals before the end of the second period.

Sidney Crosby had two assists, including one on a go-ahead goal by Evgeni Malkin near the end of the second period. Sergei Gonchar had a goal and two assists for Pittsburgh.

In other early NHL action on Wednesday:

Dallas 3, Columbus 2: Brenden Morrow scored with 1:11 to play in the third period to force overtime then Jussi Jokinen netted the winning goal in a shootout as the Stars rallied for a road win. Dallas paid +110 and the total was a push. Rick Nash had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets.

For NHL odds for Thursday, skate to the Bodog Sportsbook.