Penguins' Odds Tilt Toward Playoff Lock in Final 16

The Penguins sit pretty with 79 points and a 65.7% playoff shot per ESPN models, holding the Metro's second wild card as 18 games remain. Betting markets have even pulled odds on them missing the dance entirely, a nod to their steady regulation wins and favorable remaining slate. Front offices whisper that Sully's crew knows every point counts now, especially with pretenders like the Caps and Isles breathing down their necks.