After stealing the first two games of their best-of-seven opening round series against the Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens have squandered what was an excellent opportunity to get through to the second round and will now face elimination in game six on Tuesday. The Canadiens have lost three straight and will need to beat Boston twice in as many night to advance.
Boston Bruins @ Montreal Canadiens
Tuesday April 26, 2011 – 7:00 PM ET
Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec
Online Sports Betting Odds: Montreal – 120
The Bruins looked lost against the much faster and more disciplined Canadiens through the first two games of the series, but have found their rhythm through three straight wins. Boston know just how much momentum means in this NHL playoff series, and will look to put Montreal away while they have the chance.
NHL Playoff Preview: Boston Bruins
The Bruins have found ways to get to the net and make life difficult for Montreal netminder Carey Price in three wins. A look at where the goals in this series have been scored from offers the perfect illustration of just how important causing traffic is to both teams, and Boston’s big forwards such as Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton have done an excellent job as the series has shifted in their favor. After struggling through two losses to open the series Tim Thomas has been excellent to help the Bruins bounce back, and the team will go as far as he can take them. Zdeno Chara has looked better with every game, but Boston will need to get its powerplay going after failing to score a special teams goal through the first five games of the series to avoid suffering the same April letdown as the MLB betting Red Sox.
NHL Playoff Preview: Montreal Canadiens
Price was the difference in the first two games, but has yet to find his form since and has allowed some soft goals to allow the advantage to sway in favor of the Bruins. He’ll need to be much sharper on Tuesday after being the team’s most valuable player throughout the regular season, and you can bet that he will be focused and ready. The Canadiens had plenty of chances to pull ahead in the series in game five, but failed to capitalize on their opportunities and will need to bury when they have the chance to keep their postseason hopes alive. Montreal’s smaller forwards used their speed perfectly in their opening two wins, and will need to work to make sure they don’t suffer another letdown.
NHL Playoff Preview: Outlook & Pick
The Canadiens may not win the series, but it’s hard to imagine them being swept at home in front of that incredible crowd. One of these teams will be eliminated before this year’s Kentucky derby betting race, but that won’t be until game seven Wednesday as Montreal rallies to keep their chances alive with their most complete game of the series.
Gambling Advisor blog Pick: Montreal Canadiens - 120
