Canadiens vs Bruins odds highlight massive night in the NHL
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Stanley Cup betting is around the corner, but we have to figure out who will make the NHL playoffs first. In the Eastern Conference, three teams are vying for the final two spots: Montreal, Florida and the New York Rangers.
All three teams will be in action on Thursday, and all three are desperate for a win. Here's the low-down on Canadiens vs Bruins odds, Flyers vs Rangers odds and Panthers vs Thrashers odds.
Stanley Cup odds: Eastern Conference playoff spots going down to the wire
- Canadiens vs Bruins odds
- Flyers vs Rangers odds
- Panthers vs Thrashers odds
Canadiens vs Bruins odds – Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Montreal is coming off a deflating 3-1 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday night, its second loss in as many days. The Habs had been hot leading up to that point, winning three straight and five of six. Now, they must rebound against Boston before facing a tough Pittsburgh team on Saturday to close out the season.
The Bruins have clinched first place in the East, making this a potential first-round preview. Boston looks sharp heading into the postseason, having won six in a row before Tuesday’s 3-2 loss in Ottawa.
Boston is 4-1 against the Canadiens this season, but Montreal is in desperation mode. Of course, that hasn’t helped the team much over the past few games. Still, the Bruins are cruising at this point—expect the Habs to wake up. Bet on Montreal.
Flyers vs Rangers odds – Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET
New York snapped a two-game losing skid by getting a massive 3-1 victory over Montreal this week. Chris Drury potted two goals for the Rangers, who have won just twice in their last six games. Getting the power playing going would certainly help, as New York has scored just once with the man-advantage in its last five outings (going 1/20).
Philadelphia is trying to hold onto fourth place in the East, which would give it home-ice advantage in the first round. The Flyers are 6-3-1 in their past 10 games, including a 2-1 win over desperate Florida on Tuesday.
New York and Philly have split their four games this season. Both teams could really use the win, but give the Rangers the advantage for playing in front of a boisterous Madison Square Garden crowd. Bet on the Rangers.
Panthers vs Thrashers odds – Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Florida has the toughest route to get into the postseason since it needs a little help if it expects to be playing for Stanley Cup odds. Losing in Philly on Tuesday didn’t help—the Panthers’ second loss in three games. The Panthers scored just two goals in those two defeats, but they have won four of their past six games. Tomas Vokoun is having a strong season in goal and has been great recently, stopping at least 40 shots in two of his last three starts.
The Thrashers are playing for nothing but pride at this point. Atlanta just dropped two consecutive games to the Capitals, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Special teams are killing the Thrashers right now, as they haven’t scored a power play goal in their past four outings, going 0/18.
Florida is 3-2 against Atlanta this season. Expect that mark to become 4-2—the Panthers will be ready for absolute war in this one, something the Thrashers just won’t’ be prepared for. Bet on the Florida Panthers.
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Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
