The Tampa Bay Lightning took Game 2 by a score of 3-1 after being outplayed all game. Montreal finished the game with 3.59 expected goals to the Lightning’s 2.37. Andrei Vasilevskiy had another outstanding performance with a +2.59 GSAx. This performance may have been fueled by spite after losing the Vezina Trophy on Tuesday to Fleury. Carey Price had Game 2 with a -0.63 GSAx struggling in back to back games. The Canadiens return home for Game 3 and look to try and make this a series. In order to do that they’ll need to have more offensive production. In the first two games, Montreal has managed to score only 2 goals.
Tampa Bay Lightning (-135) @ Montreal Canadiens (+115)
Montreal will get their interim head coach back tonight after a two week absence following a positive Covid-19 test. The Bell Center has also increased capacity tonight which should provide some much needed support for the Habs. Alex Killorn remains sidelined for the Lightning and will not play in Game 3. Tyler Johnson will stay on the second line with Steven Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli. Johnson played well in Game 2 picking up an assist on first Lightning goal by Cirelli.
In order to win tonight’s game, Montreal will look for their netminder Carey Price have an outstanding game. He’s finished Game 1 and 2 with -GSAx which has been unlike him in these playoffs. Nick Suzuki scored the lone goal in Game 2, and is tied with Tyler Toffoli with 14 points for the Canadiens leading scorer. The Canadiens will also look to try and find a way to shut down Kucherov-Point-Palat line who have dominated them this series.
The Canadiens are the home dogs once again but the line has shifted from the first two games where the Bolts were heavy favorites. I’ve been on the Canadiens for the first two games and that clearly has not worked out but, I don’t think their done yet. They have defied all odds to get to the finals so who’s to say they won’t do it again here. This is a must win game for them if they want to have a chance so I’m expecting to see their best effort tonight. For Game 3, I’m looking at backing them again. They outplayed the Lightning in Game 2 but got unlucky with the second and third goals. In front of their home crowd they defeat the Lightning and look to even up the series in Game 4.
Pick: Montreal Canadiens +115 (Risk 1.0 Unit)
