Written by Graeme & Scott on Sunday, June 13th, 2021
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On Monday, June 14th we see one of the most lopsided odds at this stage of the playoffs that we’ve ever seen – as the Vegas Golden Knights square off against the Montreal Canadiens.
Knights are approximately 1.18 favourites to win the series while the Montrel Canadiens are a massive 5.25 to win.
The Montreal Canadiens of course, came back from 3-1 down to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3. They then stunned everyone with an absolute sweep of the Winnipeg Jets, who had just swept the Edmonton Oilers. Jets just couldn’t figure them out.
The Vegas Knights have had a bit of a tougher go. The Minnesota Wild rode them all the way to Game 7 before playoff experience saw them through. They then showed strong mental ability to come back from a shellacking by the Avs, to take that series.
Here are our thoughts:
Knights vs Canadiens Series Betting Tips:
Scott: On paper this seems like a mismatch but this is the playoffs and anything can happen.
The Canadiens beat the Maple Leafs in 7 games in round 1 and then swept the Jets in round 2. The Knights beat the Wild in 7 games in round 1 and then the Avalanche in 6 games in round 2.
The Knights are a deep team that plays fast and heavy and that will wear a team down in the playoffs. Former Habs captain Pacioretty, Stone and Marchessault do most of the heavy lifting offensively. They have a good defense and have the best tandem of goalies in the league.
The Canadiens well be rested heading into this series having not played since June 7th. The have a nice mix of veterans and youngsters that give them lots of options. Toffoli, Gallagher, Perry and Staal are all great players. They ride 4 defensemen who play lots of minutes and if Carey Price can continue his play then this team can beat anybody.
As amazing as the Habs have been getting to this point, I’m not sure how much longer they can keep this up. I want them to win the series and move onto the Stanley Cup Final but can they do it against the Knights is the question. If Price continues to play the way he has then they have a legitimate shot at moving on. But if the Knights play a physical style and stay out of the box then that’s going to be a problem for Montreal.
I hope I’m wrong here but I’m going with the Knights.
Knights in 6
Unfortunately Knights -1.5 isn’t a play due to the low odds. If you’re going to back the Knights, it HAS to be -2.5. Here are the best odds for that:
Canada: 2.26 Odds at Sports Interaction (SIA) + free $20 bet.
USA: +100 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 2.05 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
(Odds correct as of 2021/06/13 2:55:58 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Graeme: It’s been an interesting season for the Montreal Canadiens. I remember early on I even referred to them and the Leafs as the “elite” of the North Division based on the way things were going. Habs then following that struggled with injuries, and started strugging really bad.
They beat the Leafs in the playoffs but it was generally written off as the Leafs lost the series; not that they won. I know I felt more confident in the Jets over the Habs. I loved the way the Jets beat Edmonton and thought we’d see similar shrewdness.
From what I’ve seen of Vegas in the playoffs, I like them to win. Not just due to the level of opposition but just the mental game. That Game 7 win over the Wild. The way they came back against the Avs.
However the Habs have a lot going for them and Price can win games by himself. Although he didn’t have to do that against the Jets.
Not having Jeff Petry SUCKS. That is a big concern for me. Evans and Merrill not expected either at least for Game 1.
When you look at everything – Knights are pretty much just better everywhere. It sucks. But they are. I prefer our fourth line but that is about it ha. If we are able to shut down Stone and Patches it could be different.
Pressure is a funny thing too. Knights going in are a foregone conclusion. Habs? Zero expectations. That can change things big time.
For me, I’d be betting Habs +2.5. As Scott likes Knights in 6, that also adds to this play.
Canada: 1.77 Odds at Bovada.
Everyone Else: 1.68 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv.
(Odds correct as of 2021/06/13 2:55:58 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Unfortunately, neither of my books (inc Bovada) have anything other than series winner. For the record, I like Habs +2 1/2.
@betnhlca:disqus the Bolts value for the series is very good. Do they have the depth to get by the Isles? Are they heavy enough to withstand what the Isles did to the Bs? The Isles are very disciplined and relentless, their 2-4 lines just dominated the Bs and they are getting enough out of Varly.
See any props you like tonight?
thanks, SDB
Lean: Full game OVER 5.5.
The recent track record is that these two teams fly over 5.5 easily, vs each other.
Price v Fleury o5.5 hmmm
I’m thinking 3-2 knights
So far you’re 0-1 this round with totals 🤣