NHL Odds: Game 3 in Habs versus Pens Series this Wednesday - live odds: https://www.casinobillionaire.com/bovada-review-5239.php
The NHL is in fine form following a four-plus month pause due to the Coronavirus. The quality of playoff hockey has been on full display in each series of the Qualifying Round, including the matchup between Pittsburgh and Montreal.
Now a best-of-three, the Habs will be the 'home' club on Wednesday. They'll have the benefit of the last change and favourable line matchups in Game 3, but Montreal will need more than that if they hope to turn the momentum in this short series.
While the series is tied at one game apiece, the Canadiens have been badly outplayed so far. They've been outshot 79 to 62 through the first two games, and it's been up to goaltender Carey Price to hold the fort as his teammates find their legs and make third period pushes.
While the scores have been close in both games, the play has not. The mismatch was expected between these two clubs, and one of the main reasons was Pittsburgh's high caliber offensive weapons.
We've seen a determined effort from Sidney Crosby through the first two games, as the captain has registered two goals and nine shots, including the opener in Game 2 on Sunday.
Sid will likely hold the key to this series as Montreal is only able to match up against one of the Penguins' two top lines. Tune in for the 8 PM ET affair from the Toronto bubble.
NHL Odds: Canadiens' Youngsters Making a Statement in Qualifying Round
The primary storyline heading into the best-of-five matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins was the mismatch at centre ice.
Pittsburgh is able to send out future Hall of Famers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, while Montreal has 20-year-olds carrying the offensive load down the middle.
Despite that apparent mismatch, Jesperi Kotkaniemi has notched a goal in each of the first two games and Nick Suzuki has averaged over 20 minutes a game, while also scoring a goal in Game 1. Crosby led the way on Monday, scoring the opener en route to a 3-1 victory to tie the series 1-1. Catch Game 3 on Wednesday (8 PM ET) to see who gains the edge.
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