The Montreal Canadiens finally managed to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning and avoid the sweep. Josh Anderson was able to find the back of the net for the Habs in OT to force a Game 5 back in Tampa. The Lightning were dominant in Game 4 beating the Canadiens in expected goals 4.36 to 1.9. The issue for Tampa Bay was in net, as Andrei Vasilevskiy struggled finishing the game with a -1.1 GSAx. Carey Price managed to play one of his better games of the season as the Canadiens were outshot 34-21. Price would wind up with a +2.36 GSAx in Game 4. We now look at Game 5 where the Lightning look to close Montreal out at home tonight, and repeat as Stanley Cup Champions.
Montreal Canadiens (+210) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (-250)
The Canadiens were lucky to grab Game 4 and it was only because of a phenomenal performance from Carey Price. Price has been the main reason that the Habs have been able to make it this far playoffs. The issue with that, is he can’t win this series for them as he’s the second best goalie in this matchup.
Tampa is prime to finish off the series tonight and they do it with a bounce back performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning are also 14-0 following a loss over their last two postseason runs. The last time the Lightning have lose consecutive playoff games it was back in 2019. Credit to the Canadiens for their Cinderella run in the playoffs but tonight, the clock strikes midnight. Tampa Bay’s mayor gets her wish and they close it out in front of their home crowd.
Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning in Regulation -0.5 (-150) (Risk 1.50 Units)
