The Montreal Canadiens host the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight, Tuesday May 4, as Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final faces-off. The Canadiens won Game 2, 3-1 as +261 roaddogs as the series sits knotted at one apiece. NHL oddsmakers at BETUS.com have the Penguins as -165 moneyline road favorites over the Canadiens (+145) with the over/under set at 5.5 goals . Be sure to get your 2010 NHL Playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Game 3 Odds & Prediction in now at BETUS.com
The Penguins must shake off the frustration that gripped the team in Game 2 and get in the face of Montreal’s goalie Jaroslav Halak. Halak made a brilliant 38-save effort in Game 2 and is 4-1 in his last five playoff games with a 2.00 GAA. Despite his Game 1 loss, he’s allowed one goal a game in four games. The Pens need to find answers to the Habs tight-checking play; they failed to get people to the net, fired away with low-percentage shots from the perimeter and failed to cash in on three power-play opportunities in the game’s final 20 minutes. Pittsburgh would like to see its two top lines get going. Crosby went without a point, was a minus-2, and he has not scored a goal in two of his past three games. “We have to do a better job of getting inside and we have to do a better job in certain areas in the offensive zone, and other players are part of that as well," Bylsma said. "The great thing about playoffs is that it is always about your next game." Matt Cooke is red-hot for Pittsburgh, scoring the Penguins' only goal Sunday afternoon. He has four goals this postseason, more than he has scored in seven previous playoff runs. Pascal Dupuis already has five assists this postseason, tying his playoff high. Pittsburgh is missing Jordan Staal who’s out with a sliced tendon in his right foot.
The Canadiens needed at least one road win before heading home to a raucous Bell Center and they got it. Montreal played a near perfect road game Sunday. Once again Halak saved the day as he’s looking more and more dominant as the playoffs continue. Halak was magnificent in stopping 38 of 39 shots as he played like the superstar goalie that stopped 131 of the final 134 shots he saw against Washington and not the goalie that allowed five goals on the first 18 shots he faced before being pulled in a Game 1 loss to Pittsburgh. He also had help from his defenseman in front of him. Montreal was far more disciplined in its own zone, using good stick placement and solid position to take away passing and shooting lanes and force the Penguins to take less-dangerous shots from the outside. Montreal also played a more disciplined overall game, taking just three penalties Sunday. The Canadiens killed each of those off by denying Pittsburgh easy entry into the attacking zone and then being more diligent about pressuring the Pittsburgh point men once possession in the attacking zone was established. Cammalleri is as hot as they come. He had two goals in Game 2, including the game-winner. He has three goals in this series and sits second in the League with 8 playoff goals. His linemate, Tomas Plekanec also is in the top-20 in scoring with 4 goals and 8 points. Gionta has a goal in each game of this series.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 12-5-5 in the last 22 meetings in Montreal.
- Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 games as an underdog.
- Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
- Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
- Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 playoff games as an underdog.
- Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
- Penguins are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens
When: Tuesday May 04, 2010 7:00 PM ET
Line: BETUS.com
Pick: Canadiens +145
Point-Spreads.com 2010 NHL Playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Game 3 Odds & Predictions
The Bottom Line: The Bell Center will be rocking which will boost the Habs to a win. Be sure to get your 2010 NHL Playoffs: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Game 3 Odds & Predictions in now at BETUS.com and receive a 10% Deposit Bonus and start winning today!
