P.K. Subban has been busy in his team’s second round Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Boston Bruins.
The Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman has notched a series-leading seven points, scored a double-overtime winner, dealt with some vile racism and then as the Habs were trying desperately to rally from a 4-2 deficit on Saturday night, Subban was squirted with water while handling the puck. The Habs are now down 3-2 in the series.
On Monday night, Subban and company will try and overcome the multitude of distractions and force a Game 7 in what has been an exceptional series so far. Get in on this outstanding hockey action by creating a betting account today.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview
Scores and Schedule
Game 1 – May 1, Montreal 4, Boston 3 (2OT)
Game 2 – May 3, Montreal 3, Boston 5
Game 3 – May 6, Montreal 4, Boston 2
Game 4 – May 8, Montreal 0, Boston 1 (OT)
Game 5 – May 10, Montreal 2, Boston 4
Game 6 – May 12, Boston (-140) at Montreal (+120); total 5.0 – view all NHL lines
Game 7 (if necessary) – May 14, Montreal at Boston
Betting on the Boston Bruins
After posting one of the best powerplay percentages in the league during the regular season (21.7%), the Boston Bruins had been shut out with a man advantage in their all-important round 2 series against the Montreal Canadiens.
[sc:NHL240 ]That is, until Saturday. Jarome Iginla and Reilly Smith scored twice in 32 seconds with Tomas Plekanec in the box in Game 5 and the Bruins never looked back en route to a 4-2 win.
Even with the 3-2 series lead, the Bruins have not dominated the action thus far. In the first four games of the series–two of them wins–the Bruins led for a total of just under 12 minutes.
In what will be a wild environment in Montreal, Boston will need Tuukka Rask to continue his strong play in these playoffs. Rask’s 1.70 G.A.A. and .940 save percentage in the playoffs are both league leaders as the team has struggled to find goals at times.
This has the potential to be a defensive battle as both teams try to avoid making the error that could define their season. The under is 4-1-1 in the teams’ last six in Montreal.
Betting on the Montreal Canadiens
After Shawn Thornton squirted Subban with water on Saturday night, the Bruins’ forward was fined the maximum allowable for unsportsmanlike conduct on Sunday. And yet, even in having forced the Habs players to comment on the issue has proven it a successful distraction.
In Game 6, the Canadiens could use more focus on other matters: like the lack of production they’ve been getting from several key offensive players. David Deshairnais, a 52-point scorer during the regular season, has three points in this year’s playoffs. Max Pacioretty put up 60 points this season and has just four through nine postseason games.
Meanwhile, Game 6 would be a good time for Carey Price to steal one between the pipes. Price (2.49 G.A.A., .915 SV% in these playoffs) has certainly played well, but is nonetheless being outplayed by his Bostonian counterpart.
All told, Montreal is due for a bounceback performance. The Canadiens are 8-2 after a loss in which they scored two goals or less.
Writer’s Prediction
Montreal is not about to let the Bruins eliminate them at home. Look for Price to have a great game en route to a tight overtime Habs victory. Take Montreal +120.
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