Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens
As was my thought from the outset, the goaltending has been the difference so far in this series. Sure, Carey Price wasn’t sharp in Game 1, but he was sharp enough to keep the score close so the Habs could take it in overtime. He then had a 26-of-27-save night on Friday night in the Habs’ 4-1 win over Tampa Bay. That would give Anders Lindback an .871 save percentage so far this series, while Price is at .904 (note: that’s still not that good but it’s better than awful).
One thing the Habs have done a very good job with so far this series is staying out the penalty box. The Habs have given Tampa Bay just four power plays over the first two games while on the road. That is a very, very good mark. Tampa Bay has done well also, with just six power plays given up in the first two games, but I feel it’s more important for Montreal to be disciplined than Tampa Bay.
With the series returning to Montreal for Games 3 and 4, I don’t know why it would be any different from what we’ve seen so far this series. There are thoughts about the Habs choking, but I’d rather wait and see what happens rather than betting on a team that just nailed two road wins to lose at home in the playoffs. I would stack the Habs today, though I may shy away from Price in non-GPPs.
Note: Ben Bishop was not skating this morning at the morning skate, which would indicate he is not ready to return.
| Top RW Value | Top LW Value | Top C Value | Top D Value | Bargain Bin |
| Brendan Gallagher(MON)
$6816 |
Max Pacioretty(MON)
$10,618 |
David Desharnais(MON)
$7807 |
P.K. Subban(MON)
$8682 |
Daniel Briere(MON)
$5307 |
