Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Preview, Scores, Prediction

The Lightning owned the Canadiens in the regular season but can the well-rested Habs figure them out in this series?

Both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens hit some potholes on their road to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Habs were nearly pushed to a seventh game after taking a 3-0 series lead, while Tampa Bay went the distance with Detroit. Tampa Bay won all five meetings between the two teams in the regular season but opening series odds are split with both the Habs and Lightning priced at -115.

Montreal Canadiens:

Outside of Carey Price, what exactly do the Canadiens have going for them right now because the numbers aren’t pretty. They managed just two goals a game in the first round even though Sens goalie Andrew Hammond finally turned into a pumpkin, scoring just once on 20 power play chances in the series. Much more is needed from Max Pacioretty and the top line and Montreal had better hope a few days off did Andrei Markov good. He looked his age against Ottawa and it get worse against the speedy Lightning. All that said, when you have Carey Price in goal, you always have a chance. The Habs will go as far as he can carry them in the playoffs – it’s really that simple.

Sports Interaction’s NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning:

Before the playoffs, if someone told you the Lightning would survive a seven-game series without getting a goal from Steven Stamkos, it would have been tough to take them seriously. At some point Stamkos, limited to just three assists, will break out, but in the meantime Tampa Bay is getting contributions throughout the lineup. However, the Lightning have been hot-and-cold lately and are coming off a very tough series with Detroit. With Ben Bishop in the net this year, they’ll be out to avenge getting swept by the Canadiens last year but it isn’t going to be easy.

Prediction:

This might turn out to be the best series of the playoffs if both teams play up to their potential. They’re easily two of the fastest teams in the league and we’ll be treated to a trackmeet at times. Still, it will be the team that’s better in its own end that moves on and even Carey Price may not be able to cover up for his defencemen against Tampa’s speed and talent. This one could go the distance but the Lightning are the better team.

Pick:

Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.