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Round 2: Canadiens vs. Bruins NHL Playoff Series Gambling Prediction & Lines

NHL Playoffs – Montreal vs Boston Picks

As Juicy As it Gets – Habs and Bruins Meet in Second Round

History buffs and hockey buffs alike have to be happy with the second round NHL playoff series that starts Thursday night between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins.

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ODDS TO WIN 2013-14 STANLEY CUP (first round odds in parentheses if changed)

  • CANADIENS 8-1
  • BRUINS 9-4 (7-2)

ODDS TO WIN EASTERN CONFERENCE

  • BRUINS even-money (3-2)
  • CANADIENS 4-1 (3-1)

Canadiens Series Prices +205
Bruins Series Prices -245
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The teams will meet for the 34th time in Stanley Cup playoff history – incredible – with the Canadiens having the better overall success and the Bruins having won seven of the last 11 playoff series with their Original Six foe. Both teams had a relatively easy time in Round 1 – the Habs swept the Lightning and the Bruins dispatched the Wings in five games. Both teams will be healthy, rested and eager to commence what should be an epic battle.

The Montreal Canadiens got the better of the President’s Trophy winning Bruins during the Regular Season this year. Montreal won three of four games in the season series including both in Boston (one in overtime). Montreal appears to be Boston’s kryptonite the last couple of seasons – the Habs have won six of the last seven meetings and are one team that won’t be afraid of the Big Bad Bruins.

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To beat the Boston Bruins you have to bring four effective lines – the Bruins depth has proven to be murder on their opposition the last few seasons. For Montreal they have to be thrilled with having got at least a point from 16 different players and goals from 10 during just four games in the first round.

Montreal’s top scoring line of Max Pacioretty, David Desharnais and NHL Trade Deadline acquisition Thomas Vanek were dynamite in their first round sweep of the Lightning while Brendan Gallagher and Rene Bourque tied for the team lead with three goals apiece. Even Daniele Briere and Montreal’s fourth line chipped in – a good sign for the Canadiens.
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In goal the Habs have the luxury of Carey Price playing at the top of his game. Although Price was just OK in Round 1 he has had a remarkable year – career bests in save percentage (.927) and goals-against average (2.32) and helping Canada to the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics with 103 saves on 106 shots in the tournament. It’s Price against Rask – as good as it gets.

Speaking of Rask – His .961 save percentage leads the NHL through the first round, just as his .930 mark led all starters in the regular season. He too was very good for Finland at the Olympics in Sochi. Rask is likely the best keeper in the game – but a series loss may give that title to the goalie he’s up against.

We know that Boston will bring four punishing lines offensively – the Bruins are an absolute nightmare to play against. Each line brings a little something every night – grit, fundamentals and even goal scoring. The team went six-for-16 on the power play in Round 1 and killed off 90% of the penalties against.

And then there is Zdeno Chara – the single biggest difference maker in a long, tough playoff series. He and the defensive corp. produced four goals and 12 points in Round 1 and were typically stout in their own end. The Bruins are a punishing defensive team – they wear a team down quick!

Betting Prediction

I predicted, like many that the Bruins would get to the Cup Final and I’m sticking to that. But the Montreal Canadiens won’t make it easy. The Habs speed has matched up very well with Boston the last two seasons – Montreal has won six of the last seven meetings. This is Boston’s time of year – nobody in the East can compete with the type of physicality Boston brings every night.

Pick: I like Boston in a tough seven game series.

By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.