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2010 Stanley Cup Playoff Picks – Canadiens vs. Flyers

The Round 3 Seven game Conference Final series between the #8 seed Montreal Canadiens vs #7 seed Philadelphia Flyers opened yesterday, here’s the odds and our prediction for the series.

NHL Playoff Betting – Canadiens vs Flyers Series Preview & Pick

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Schedule.

GAME 1: PHI 6, MTL 0
GAME 2: @Philadelphia, Tue. 5/18, 7 p.m.
GAME 3: @Montreal, Thu. 5/20, 7 p.m.
GAME 4: @Montreal, Sat. 5/22, 3 p.m.
GAME 5: @Philadelphia, Mon. 5/24, 7 p.m.
GAME 6: @Montreal, Wed. 5/26, 7 p.m.
GAME 7: @Philadelphia, Fri. 5/28, 7 p.m.

Canadiens vs Flyers Odds To Win 7 Game Series: NHL CONFERENCE FINAL SERIES PRICES BEST OF SEVEN 2-2-1-1-1

I guess it’s time to start respecting the Habs and Flyers.

Most bettors and pundits didn’t think they had what it takes to survive the first round. We thought the Capitals firepower would be too much for Montreal; then Jaroslav Halak happened. We thought Martin Brodeur would be the difference for New Jersey; then the Flyer forwards peppered him and Brian Boucher outplayed him.

(8) MONTREAL CANADIENS VS (7) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Then, in round two, we figured the Penguins’ experience and the Bruins’ goaltending would prevail. But the Habs simply wanted it more than Pittsburgh and the Flyers’ forecheck was far too much for Boston to handle.
Now, the Eastern Conference’s two world beaters are on a collision course. Whose miracle run will finally end?

Breaking down the two rosters, the Flyers’ success makes a lot more sense to me. They’ve got a stable of big, well-rounded defenseman who can move the puck but punish forecheckers too. The Devils and Bruins’ forwards just couldn’t penetrate Chris Pronger, Braydon Coburn and Kimmo Timonen when it mattered.

The Flyers’ forecheck has also been outstanding. Even without Jeff Carter, who remains sidelined with a broken foot, Philly has plenty of size and speed to offer.

Mike Richards, Scott Hartnell, Daniel Carcillo, Simon Gagne – they’ve all terrorized defenders in the corners. Sports Betting at Sportsbook.com

So the question is – can Montreal handle Philly’s attack better than New Jersey or Boston did? Maybe. For a team not known for grittiness, the Habs actually have a decent amount of it on the back end. P.K. Subban has been a revelation with his combination of physicality, creativity and skating ability. Hal Gill may be slow but he has a long reach and it’s extremely tough for attackers to get around his giant frame. Josh Gorges also eats minutes and regularly plays against opponents’ top forwards.

Compared to the Devils’ tiny defense corps or Boston’s banged-up unit, which relies on Zdeno Chara too much, I actually do believe the Habs are better equipped to bottle up the Flyers.

I also think they have a much better chance of filling the net than the offensively challenged Bruins did. Michael Cammalleri has emerged as a top-notch clutch scorer, leading the playoffs in goals so far.

Role players like Dominic Moore and Travis Moen chip in offense at the right moments and Tomas Plekanec has done a good job creating chances for his teammates.

Sure, they’re small up front, but that wasn’t a problem in round two – even though it should’ve been against bruisers like Brooks Orpik. The plucky Habs have found a way to beat size with speed – and it’s resulted in enough offense to win.

That’s the operative word: enough. The way Jaroslav Halak has played in goal for Montreal, tiny bursts of offense have been enough for him to win most nights. I’m not convinced the Flyers can match that kind of game-stealing effort. Michael Leighton is freshly recovered from an injury and, while he played admirably in the last two games of the series, he can’t dominate a game like Halak can.

I never thought I’d say it but I think the Canadiens are about to book their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final. Their speed up front and goaltending will be the difference.

Prediction: Canadiens in seven

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