Considering that the Montreal Canadiens have outscored the Senators 11-2 in the last two meetings, there’s a good chance they do keep momentum on their side tonight.
The Montreal Canadiens have won two straight games at
Scotiabank Place and would love nothing more than to make it three in a row and
continue to build some momentum as the playoffs approach. Fresh off of
clinching their fourth consecutive playoff berth, they’ll visit Ottawa to try
to improve their position in the conference.
The Montreal
Canadiens Can Win Because…:
They have owned the Ottawa Senators this season.
In five meetings so far, the Canadiens have won four of
them and outscored them 20-8. They have even won seven of their last 10 trips
to Ottawa.
Goaltender Carey Price has been a key to their success in
this series as he has a 1.61 GAA in the five meetings this season. He’s won his
last four starts in Ottawa while posting a GAA of 1.57 in his last five starts
at Scotiabank Place.
The Sens really don’t have much to play for in this
contest and nobody would blame them for coming out a little sluggish. Montreal,
on the other hand, needs a win to maintain their sixth-seeding in the Eastern
Conference and could potentially fall lower if they don’t add to their point
total.
The Ottawa
Senators Can Win Because…:
They aren’t giving up.
The Sens have had plenty of opportunities and reasons to
quit on the season but they haven’t given an inch. While fans might be quietly
angling for them to finish lower in the conference and get a better draft pick,
the Sens have actually 6-3-1 in their last eight games. In that span, they have
wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the New York Rangers, the Washington
Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers, all of whom would make the playoff cut
should it start today.
A subtle sub story for this contest is that Sens owner
Eugene Melnyk will be in town to watch the Sens host the Habs on Thursday
night, which might provide some inspiration for the members of the organization.
There will be a team photo on Friday and you can expect the team to have a
little more pep in their step otherwise they won’t find themselves in the
picture next season.
One player who will definitely be back is forward Jason
Spezza, who has been excellent throughout the latter part of the season. Spezza
has 23 points in his last 16 games including a four-point effort in the win
against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.
Outlook & NHL
Betting Prediction:
The Habs are the team that is more likely to want a win
here but the Sens still have plenty of fight in them as they play for pride.
Since the sportsbooks have a small price tag attached to the Canadiens,
they are worth a small play.
Overall, they are the better team and they have dominated
this series of late – particularly the games in Ottawa. NHL bettors should look at the Canadiens in
this spot.
Pick: Canadiens