Bodog Beat

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a deep hole, and if their franchise player does not start hitting the back of the net they will be golfing for the summer. (AP Images)

Sidney Crosby has not scored in consecutive playoff games for the first time since Games 1 and 2 of the finals against the Detroit Red Wings last season.

The Red Wings know they'll see plenty of Crosby and playoff scoring leader Evgeni Malkin, and a lot of desperation, as the Penguins try to avoid going down 3-0 to the defending champs.

The Penguins' task is hard enough since of the 32 teams to previously win the first two games on home ice, 31 won the Stanley Cup. Only Chicago failed, against Montreal in 1971.

To win, Pittsburgh probably needs contributions from someone other than Malkin, who has 1 goal and 1 assist in the series.

The Red Wings are 14-3 in their last 17 Stanley Cup final games. Get your NHL finals odds in the Bodog Sportsbook.