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Game 1 Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers NHL Picks / Preview

Tonight some great Stanley Cup Playoff hockey games on tap for your NHL hockey betting action. We preview and pick Game 1 Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins conference final matchup, odds currently have the Flyers listed as 145-moneyline favorites in this game. Get your NHL gambling picks here at Capperspicks.com.

NHL Hockey Free Predictions: Canadiens vs Flyers – Game One

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Team Records:

Montreal: 39-33-10
Philadelphia: 41-35-6

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Series tied 0-0

Sportsbook odds:
Canadiens: +115 +1.5 (-260) Over 5 (-135)
Flyers: -135 -1.5 (+220) Under 5 (+115)

Canadiens vs. Flyers Preview

I knew all along that Montreal would meet Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Final. Wow, if this was true, I would be a rich man. Both teams accomplished the nearly impossible to reach this stage in the post season. With expectations exceeded this could be a fun series in which both teams might as well throw caution to the wind in order to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

The Montreal Canadiens have reason for optimism going into Game 1 in Philadelphia. They boast the hottest offensive threat in the post season, Mike Cammalleri and they have the best goaltender left in these playoffs, Jaroslav Halak. Montreal also possesses a coaching staff that has managed to create game plans responsible for eliminating arguably the best two teams in the Eastern Conference.

Going into Game 1, the Montreal Canadiens will be as rested as they have been in nearly a month. With Philadelphia going to Game 7, the Habs were afforded a couple of days to relax and heal. For the coaching staff, it was time to scheme. Montreal will be ready for Game 1 for sure.

Expect Mike Cammalleri to remain hot, with his linemates Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez riding Cammalleri’s wave. Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Kostitsyn will have to be factors in the series especially since the top line is going to get a lot of attention from Chris Pronger. Secondary scoring and the power play will be the deciding factors in Game 1.

Word out of Montreal is that Andrei Markov could return sometime this series. That would actually give the Habs more defensemen than they need! PK Subban seems cemented in the lineup and Jaroslav Spacek appears to be over his mystery virus. With Hal Gill playing the way that he is and with Jaroslav Halak looking All-World, the Flyers might not look like much of a challenge in Game 1.

The Philadelphia Flyers come into Eastern Conference final the seventh seed in the East and yet they own home ice advantage. Their impressive run to the Cup Finals starts on Sunday night but after an emotional Game 7 48 hours earlier, Game 1 of the Conference Final has let down written all over it. Sports Betting at Sportsbook.com

Offensively, the Flyers are on top of their game. Despite the absence of Jeff Carter, Philadelphia has averaged about four goals per game during the playoffs. Mike Richards has 17 points, a resurgent Danny Briere has 15 points, Claude Giroux has 11 and Chris Pronger has 11 points – all in just twelve games played. Add in Simon Gagne who has chipped in seven points in the eight playoff games that he has played and you have a pretty potent offensive squad.

Defensively, the Flyers are not nearly as deep as the Habs but they have proven to be a cohesive unit that has obviously been getting the job done.

Michael Leighton replaces injured Brian Boucher in goal for Philadelphia and that might be a good thing. Leighton was in goal for the Flyers only two victories against the Habs in the regular season.

The improbable Game 1 is upon us! As mentioned earlier, I expect a Game 1 let down by the Flyers. Montreal is rested for the first time in a month and will likely take advantage of the tired Flyers.

The Canadiens coaching staff created a game plan for Washington and Pittsburgh in two days – could you imagine what they have come up with in five days?

NHL Betting Trends:

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal’s last 10 games
Montreal is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Montreal is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Montreal

Game 1 Pick: Montreal Canadiens

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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.