Tag: Penguins

Pesto the GIANT baby penguin is the newest viral TikTok animal star

Pesto is a humongous baby penguin who is already a meme.

Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo had her day in the viral TikTok sun and all the memes that came with her.

Now? There’s a new viral sensation out there in the animal world, and it’s a big, fluffy penguin named Pesto in Australia, specifically at Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium.

Pesto is 50 pounds and — per the BBC — “he is the biggest chick the aquarium has ever seen.” And when you see photos and videos of Pesto, you’ll get it. But don’t worry, he’ll lose weight at some point as he gets to be a bigger penguin.

For now, you get lots of this:

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6 peculiar penguin facts that’ll show you a new side to these critters

Get the skinny on penguins.

Penguins are pretty darn cute animals. Though these aquatic birds can’t fly like so many other birds can, they’ve still managed to capture hearts around the world with their adorable features. After all, not many critters have a built-in tuxedo.

Charm and good looks aren’t the only things penguins have going for them, though. Today, let’s get to know more about these funky little birds. Today, the scientific community recognizes 18 species of penguin. These species range from the large and in-charge emperor penguin to the terrifically tiny little blue penguin. When you dig into the sometimes weird and wild world of penguins, you’re sure to find something that interests you. Start your learning journey with this list of six peculiar and fun penguin facts.

Watch Penguins fans get the shock of their lives when Sidney Crosby delivers their season tickets

There are few things better than Sidney Crosby delivering your season tickets.

There are few things in life better than sports. That’s a biased analysis, and I do not apologize.

It brings out every emotion imaginable and creates memories that last a lifetime. It’s why fans are so dedicated to teams or certain athletes and willing to do anything to see them in action.

The great thing about being a dedicated fan is that all the time, money, and effort you put into your fandom will find its way back to you. That’s precisely what happened to a group of lucky hockey fans.

Some Pittsburgh Penguins faithfuls bought their season tickets but likely didn’t imagine who would be on the other side of delivering them.

It’s just three-time Stanley Cup winner and four-time NHL First All-Star Team selection, Sidney “Sid the Kid” Crosby. Apparently, this is a long-time tradition for players to deliver season tickets to fans, and it’s one that probably never gets old.

No big deal.

I’m not sure what the best part of the video is: the woman who can hardly contain her tears of joy or the other people trying to play it cool like this happens every day.

Well played, Penguins.

Chicago aquarium closed due to coronavirus, so staff let the penguins roam free

This is the video we all need during these trying times.

The Chicago Aquarium closed this week due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, a strain of the coronavirus. That is sad.

What is happy is what the Aquarium staff members did the only sensible thing you can do in that situation — they let the penguins out and (while supervised) let them roam around the aquarium and check things out.

It was everything I wanted it to be and more. This video has steadied me during uncertain times. It has provided me a sense of calm at a time when anxiety is running high. It is penguins roaming around a zoo, and let it wash over you:

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (39-23-6) take on the New Jersey Devils (28-28-12) at Prudential Center in Newark Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Devils sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. MacKenzie Blackwood

Murray has made strides to reclaim his No. 1 job from All-Star Tristan Jarry, who has slumped since the break. Murray is 19-11-5 with a 2.89 goals against average and .898 save percentage with one shutout. He lost his only start in New Jersey Nov. 15, but he allowed just two goals on 21 shots in a 2-1 setback.

Blackwood puts his 22-13-8 record, 2.74 GAA and .915 SV% on the line against the Pens. He has split a pair of starts against Pittsburgh this season, posting a 2.93 GAA and .933 SV%. He won the battle against Murray Nov. 15, allowing just one goal on 39 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Devils: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Devils 3, Penguins 2

Moneyline (ML)

The DEVILS (+155) are moderate underdogs at home, and that makes them a good value. They aren’t going to the playoffs this season, but rather than throw in the towel, they have been a thorn in everyone’s side lately. They have won three of their past four games, and they have lost in regulation just once in their past nine (6-1-2).

The Penguins (-189) are overwhelming favorites, but they shouldn’t be. In their past six road games, Pittsburgh has won just once, including losses to non-playoff teams in the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings. and San Jose Sharks on a recent road trip.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Devils to grab the home win returns a profit of $15.50, while a $10 wager on the Penguins nets a profit of just $5.30.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Devils (+1.5, -176) are worth a look if you want a little insurance, and don’t trust New Jersey to keep up its strong play. The Penguins (-1.5, +145) are a tempting play, but they have struggled offensively on the road, posting just 10 total goals over their past six contests away from home.

Over/Under (O/U)

That brings us to why it’s a good idea to play the UNDER 5.5 (+110). Pittsburgh is averaging just 1.67 goals per game on the road in its past six. Toss in the fact Blackwood is 8-1-2 with a 2.13 GAA and .941 SV% with two shutouts in 11 starts since the All-Star break, and the recipe is there for an Under result.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Capitals (40-20-7) and Pittsburgh Penguins (39-21-6) tangle at PPG Paints Arena in the Steel City at 1 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Capitals-Penguins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Capitals at Penguins: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Matt Murray

Holtby is 24-14-5 with a 3.16 goals against average and .896 save percentage. He won his previous start against the Penguins Feb. 23, allowing three goals on 35 shots. Backup Ilya Samsonov, who is 16-6-2 with a 2.55 GAA and .913 SV%, lost his only appearance against the Pens, coughing up four goals on 33 shots, so it’s likely Holtby is tabbed.

Murray has started each of the previous two meetings with the Caps with mixed results. He is 1-1-0 with a 3.53 GAA and .870 SV% in his two outings against Washington, both in D.C. Murray has been much more steady at home, going 10-2-3 with a 2.58 GAA and .918 SV%, as opposed to 9-8-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .883 SV% on the road. All-Star Tristan Jarry is starting to slip, and he has dropped three starts in a row. His GAA is at 2.86 since the All-Star Game, much higher than the 2.16 GAA before the break.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Capitals at Penguins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-129) are the play, as the Capitals (+105) have really struggled on the road recently. They’re just 1-5 in their past six away from the nation’s capital, while Pittsburgh is a strong 12-5 in its previous 17 against teams with a winning overall record. Yes, the Pens have also struggled recently, winning just two of their past eight overall, but Pittsburgh is also 11-5 in the past 16 battles with the Caps in the Steel City, too.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Penguins to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $7.80 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PENGUINS (-1.5, +200) is a tremendous value. While I am picking the home side to win by just one goal, Pittsburgh is worth a small-unit bet with a chance to double your money. Just don’t get carried away.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6.5 (+115) could be a solid play at plus-money, especially if we get some fire wagon hockey. Holtby has given up more than three goals per game, and Murray has also been very generous.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (38-21-6) hit the road again, taking on the Buffalo Sabres (29-29-8) Thursday at KeyBank Center at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Sabres sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Sabres: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Carter Hutton

Murray has been making inroads toward wrestling back the starting job from All-Star Tristan Jarry, who has been struggling. Jarry was 16-8-1 with a 2.16 goals against average and .929 save percentage with three shutouts before the All-Star break, but he is 4-3-0 with a 2.86 GAA and .907 SV% since. Murray is 3-4-1 with a 2.89 GAA and .898 SV% since the break, so they’re running neck and neck right now.

Hutton has been super streaky this season with a 12-13-4 record, 3.18 GAA and .898 SV% through 29 starts and a relief appearance. He is 2-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .958 SV% in his two starts against the Pens this season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Sabres: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Sabres 4, Penguins 3

Moneyline (ML)

The SABRES (+135) are a solid value, based on Hutton’s splits against the Penguins (-167) this season. Plus, the Pens have dropped five in a row away from the Steel City and they have won just once in their past seven games overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Sabres ML returns a profit of $13.50 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Penguins ML results in a profit of $6.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Sabres (+1.5, -200) are a bit expensive if you aren’t feeling Buffalo on the moneyline but want a little insurance. Typically I am not a fan of risking twice my potential return, so just bet the moneyline. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-143) is a little too much juice for my liking, but this is the play. The Over is 4-1-1 in the past six for the Pens against Eastern Conference foes, while going 3-1-1 in the past six against Atlantic Division foes. The Over is 4-0 in Buffalo’s past four against the East and 9-4 in the past 13 against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at San Jose Sharks NHL matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Pittsburgh Penguins (37-20-6) wrap up what has been a forgettable road trip against the San Jose Sharks (27-33-4) Saturday at SAP Center at 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Sharks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Sharks: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry vs. Martin Jones

The All-Star Jarry is expected back in the crease. He has a 20-10-1 record, while sporting 2.23 goals against average and .927 save percentage across 29 starts and 31 appearances overall. He made the start in the first meeting in the Steel City on Jan. 2, falling to the Sharks 3-2 in overtime while making 29 saves.

While Aaron Dell won that OT game in Pittsburgh, Jones is confirmed to start in this one. He is 15-19-2 with a 3.08 GAA and .894 SV% in 36 starts and 37 appearances. Jones has been solid since the All-Star break, going 2-3-0 with a 2.22 GAA and .920 SV% with one shutout in his five starts.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Sharks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 3, Sharks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-167) aren’t really going to go 0-for-3 on their California road trip against non-contenders, are they? Pittsburgh have dropped five in a row, getting outscored 19-8, and they have lost four in a row overall. The Sharks (+135) should be the elixir to cure their ills, or else Pittsburgh fans are really going to start wringing their hands. Keep in mind that the Pens are 1-4 in the past five meetings, and 4-13 in the past 17 trips to San Jose, so go lightly.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins ML returns a profit of $6 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Sharks (+135) results in a profit of $13.50 if the home team prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Penguins (-1.5, +165) are tempting at this price, as you have to figure they’re going to break out offensively. Why not against a non-contender? But just the same, they scuffled against Los Angeles and Anaheim in a similar situation. The Pens simply cannot be trusted against the Sharks (+1.5, -200). AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

Go lightly on the UNDER 5.5 (+120), perhaps in a small parlay with the Pens on the moneyline. The under is 12-4-1 in the past 17 meetings in this series, and 4-1-1 in the past six battles in the Bay Area.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins (37-19-6) continue their road trip with a date against the Anaheim Ducks (25-30-8) Friday at Honda Center at 10 p.m. ET (on ESPN+). We analyze the Penguins-Ducks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Penguins at Ducks: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. John Gibson

Murray should get the call after All-Star Tristan Jarry started and lost in Los Angeles Wednesday. Murray is 17-9-5 with a 2.84 goals against average and .901 save percentage in 33 starts. While his only shutout of the season came on the road, he has a 3.08 GAA away from home as opposed to a 2.55 GAA in the Steel City. Murray allowed just one goal on 32 shots in a 2-1 home win over the Ducks in the first meeting Oct. 10.

Gibson has posted an 18-24-5 record, 3.01 GAA and .903 SV%. He allowed two goals on 28 shots in that Oct. 10 loss at Pittsburgh. Gibson is a respectable 11-11-2 with a 2.85 GAA and .905 SV% in 24 starts on ‘The Pond’ this season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Penguins at Ducks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Ducks 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Penguins (-189) were dumped in Los Angeles as a -196 favorite Wednesday, showing why it is always risky to lay more than -180 on any single game. Nothing is a sure thing, and there is no sense risking nearly two times your potential return. AVOID a ML play in this one.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Penguins ML returns a profit of $5.29 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Ducks (+155) results in a profit of $15.50 if the home team prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PENGUINS (-1.5, +140) are more attractive on the puck line. Yes, they won the first meeting 2-1, and they were dropped in L.A. two nights ago, but the Ducks (+1.5, -167) are a mish-mash of AHL and NHL players, having been sellers at the deadline. They’ll simply be playing out the string. Don’t expect the Pens to lose two in a row against pretenders.

Over/Under (O/U)

Go lightly on the OVER 5.5 (-125). It’s hard to imagine the high-octane Pittsburgh offense getting shut down twice in three nights. The Over is also 5-2 in Ducks’ past seven games overall, and 6-2 in the past eight against winning teams. Look for the Pens offense to come alive against them. The Over is 4-1 in the past five skates on The Pond between these two clubs.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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