Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens Preview, Pick, Scores, Results

Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins

Opening Odds: Bruins -238, Canadiens +195

Odds move: Bruins -202, Canadiens (April 30)

Montreal Canadiens:

The Montreal Canadiens did all they could to avoid coming into this series rusty after sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning. After taking a couple of days off the Habs actually scheduled a game with the Hamilton Bulldogs, complete with a morning skate. Montreal was one of the few teams to have some success against the Bruins in the regular season, taking three of four meetings from Boston, but it’s a different story this time of year. Montreal averaged four goals a game against Tampa Bay and had a relatively easy time with the Lightning after a Game 1 overtime win. The Canadiens got some good production from their depth lines and that will be key again in this series. They will need to use their speed and take advantage of their power play opportunities because the Bruins will look to turn this into a physical, emotional matchup. This is P.K. Subban‘s chance to take his game to the next level.

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Boston Bruins:

The Bruins took care of the Red Wings in five games and now face a Habs team that they have beaten in seven of their last 11 playoff meetings. Boston allowed just six goals in the series against Detroit and will look to push Montreal into a defensive, grinding style of play. The Bruins have five players with at least four points in the playoffs and certainly have an edge in depth in this series. Boston is a heavy, tough team, but is also much quicker than it has been over the last few years. Jarome Iginla has been a perfect fit on his line with Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand to give the Bruins to prolific scoring lines with edge. When you have a Norris and a Vezina Trophy cadidates in Zdeno Chara and Tuukka Rask, you don’t worry much about defence.

Key factors:

Boston has better scoring depth and it’s hard to see Montreal’s top line tearing it up when they’re facing Chara every shift. Home ice might be one of the biggest factors in this series. The first team to lose in front of its fans could be in major trouble.

Prediction:

Before you write off the Canadiens all together, remember that they started backup goalie Peter Budaj in three of their four wins against the Bruins. Carey Price will have to be tremendous to give the Canadiens a chance. Boston’s game plan will focus on getting pucks deep and abusing Montreal’s defensemen while taking very few chances offensively. It may not be pretty, but it’s the best way to deal with the Habs’ speed. Eventually, the Bruins should be able to outlast the speedy Canadiens.

Pick: Boston Bruins win in six games.

 Results:

Game 1: