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Seeding aside, these were the best four teams in the East at the end of the season, thus this should lead to fabulous, exciting hockey. We correctly nailed all four winners in the first round in this conference and will try to duplicate perfect record here in the East. Both Pittsburgh and Montreal are 9-2 to win the Cup, with Rangers 7-1 and Philadelphia a distant 15-1.
Both of these Eastern Conference clubs had to go the limit to advance, thus they pull on the sweaters with just a day off to open new series. Montreal had the best power play in the NHL, but was off kilter against Boston, which helped keep the Bruins around longer. From a speed perspective, the Canadiens should enjoy a similar edge like they had over Boston and if the power play starts to click again; they can make life tough on the Flyers.
The Flyers did excellent work in bottling up Washington’s Alex Ovechkin for large stretches of the series. They will have to alter defensive schemes, since the Canadiens are more balanced with three solid lines. It is imperative C Daniel Briere continues to stay hot, or Philly could struggle to score goals. It will be intriguing to see how Beiere responds in Montreal, after spurning Les Habitants to play for Philly.
Montreal has failed in the conference semis in recent years with 2-12 ATS record. The Habs have had their way with teams like the Flyers, who allow 29.5 or more shots a game in the second half of the year, with 20-6 ATS mark. The Canadiens are 9-2 to win the Stanley Cup at Sportsbook.com and appear to have more balance, depth and better goaltending. During the regular season they were perfect 4-0 and have won 10 of last 12.
Pick- Montreal -220 in five
This series could start out a little rusty, as both New York and Pittsburgh have been off more for at least a week, in wrapping up first round competition. Some might say the Penguins have been off longer, as Ottawa offered almost no resistance in four games. Pittsburgh’s talented youngsters will have to springboard into action quickly, against a veteran Rangers team that can match strength down the middle which Pittsburgh has with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin among others.
Pittsburgh ranks an edge in scoring; however the Blueshirts defensemen play solid position defense and have goalie Henrik Lundqvist. The Penguins defense is better then it gets credit for; nonetheless netminder Marc-Andre Fleury has just won first ever playoff series and will have to respond to mind games the Rangers are sure to use.
New York won the season series 5-3, with the home team winning all but one contest. The Rangers are 16-5 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season. These might be the two best teams currently in the East, thus whichever can set up preferred style, will emerge victorious. Pitt is 40-5 when they allow two or less goals.
Pick- Pittsburgh -150 in seven
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