Boston Montreal Betting – Canadiens Take On Biggest Rivals With Crucial Points On The Line

Two weeks ago fans of the Montreal Canadiens were wondering where there team would stand as far as their potential place in the draft lottery as one of the bottom-five teams in the NHL. The Canadiens went on to win four-straight games, and after taking on the Carolina Hurricanes Monday night, will play their biggest rivals and the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins with crucial points on the line. Montreal will be the sports bet underdogs for this game, but the way that they have been playing lately should give them the confidence to feel that they can beat an team in their way.

Boston Bruins @ Montreal Canadiens
Wednesday February 15, 2012 – 7:30 PM ET
Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec
NHL Sportsbook Line: Boston Bruins

The Bruins have struggled since the All Star break, and will need to do better than the .500 record they have hovered around over their past 10 games if they are going to keep pace with the New York Rangers for first place in the Eastern conference standings. Boston has won the last three meetings with the Canadiens this season, but they have split the two games at the Bell Centre.

Boston Montreal Betting Preview: Boston Bruins

This will be the first of six games on the road for the Bruins, and this trip could go a long way in determining the course of the remainder of their season. Boston has split its last six on the road after winning 13 of their first 18 away from the TD Garden, and their defensive play has been a big part of it. The Bruins rank fourth in the NHL in goals allowed with an average of 2.2 against, but have allowed 16 goals in their last three road losses with Tuukka Rask and Tim Thomas taking turns getting beaten up. Thomas has been in net for each of the three Boston wins against Montreal this season so there is a good chance he will get the start, and he will need to be at his best against a hot Canadiens’ team.

Boston Montreal Betting Preview: Montreal Canadiens

The streaking Habs have turned it up a notch on offense of late, while continuing their strong play on the defensive end with netminder Carey Price registering two shutouts through four wins during their latest run. Max Pacioretty continues to progress with a team-high 23 goals and 42 points, and interim head coach Randy Cunneyworth has to be hoping that other young forwards like Lars Eller and Louis Leblanc continue to put up points in key situations. Montreal’s penalty kill ranks No. 1 in the NHL, but their powerplay is ranked 29th, and it would really provide a boost if the special teams could get going.

Boston Montreal Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

This will be a tough contest for the Canadiens, who have struggled to contain the physical Bruins in their last three contests, but they did take the first two in this season series and are the more desperate team of the two. Montreal comes at a good sports betting number in this game, and are worth it at home where they continue to improve following an awful start to their season.