The Montreal Canadiens sent a powerful message to the New York Rangers in Game 5, as they scored a series-extending 7-4 victory to force Game 6.
With a combined 11 goals in Game 5, both teams’ goalies hardly mattered. In our five keys to the Canadiens-Rangers, we mentioned that goaltending would be a pivotal factor in this series, and either Henrik Lundqvist or Dustin Tokarski may yet play a big role in Game 6.
Can the Rangers put an end to the series and end the Stanley Cup Finals appearance drought of the franchise? Create a betting account now, and pick which side you are favoring to win in what is turning out to be an instant classic.
[sc:NHLArticles ]Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers Eastern Conference Finals, Game 6 Preview
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 – May 17, New York 7 at Montreal 2
Game 2 – May 19, New York 3 at Montreal 1
Game 3 – May 22, Montreal 3 (OT) at New York 2
Game 4 – May 25, Montreal 2 at New York 3 (OT)
Game 5 – May 27, New York 4 at Montreal 7
Game 6 – May 29, 8:00 PM ET, Montreal (+155) at New York (-175); total 5.0 – view all NHL lines
Game 7 (if necessary) – May 31, 8:00 PM ET, New York at Montreal
Betting on the Montreal Canadiens
As long as the Montreal Canadiens’ offense performs like it did in Game 5, they won’t need to worry as much about whomever it is minding their net. But of course, it’s unlikely that the Habs will see a seven-goal bonanza every game, meaning goalie Dustin Tokarski will have to do better job moving forward.
[sc:NHL240 ]After Montreal got a sizeable 4-1 lead in the second period, Tokarski almost became the goat of the game when he allowed the Rangers to score three goals in succession to knot the score. Thankfully for the young netminder, Rene Bourque was on fire. Bourque notched a hat trick, including the tie-breaking goal late in the second period.
Tokarski surrendered four goals on the first 14 shots on goal by the Rangers, and his .852 SV% in Game 5 was easily his worst thus far in these Playoffs.
With a new lease on life and newfound confidence to their offense, the Canadiens aim to survive another elimination game on the road against the Rangers on Thursday night. Montreal is 3-1 in its last four trips to the Madison Square Garden.
Betting on the New York Rangers
The Rangers got a dose of the same medicine they served Montreal in Game 1, when they won 7-2. But unlike the Habs in that game, the Rangers’ offense was actually playing well in Game 4, scoring four times. The culprit for the Rangers was their loathsome goaltending.
Henrik Lundqvist clearly could not withstand the incessant attacks of the Canadiens, who chased the Vezina trophy winner. Lundqvist gave up four goals before making way in the net for Cam Talbot, who then proceeded to let in two more Canadiens goals.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to think that Lundqvist will be this ineffective two games in a row. With the Rangers’ offense (3.8 GF/G) having no problem scoring on Tokarski, a solid game from Lundqvist in Game 6 would most likely clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals for New York.
The Rangers are 6-2 in their last eight games. The under is 3-1-2 in their last six games at home ice.
Writer’s Prediction
The Rangers will give New York a reason to celebrate on Thursday. Take the Rangers to end the series at home in Game 6 at -175.
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