PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's Stanley Cup Monday Big Ticket
(NHL) Tampa Bay vs. Montreal,
Money Line: 144.00 Montreal (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: 144.00 Montreal (Home)
Result: Win
It has been 23 years since there was a Stanley Cup Finals sweep. Tampa Bay has a chance to end that string up 3-0 against Montreal.
I don't see it happening, though. The Canadiens are an extremely prideful organization. Montreal has shown tremendous guts and resiliency in reaching the finals especially in knocking off the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights.
No doubt the Lightning are the superior team. Certainly not arguing that point. But the Canadiens haven't been dominated in this series even though they've been outscored, 14-5. Montreal has hurt itself with mistakes. The Lightning haven't let the Canadiens get away with that either, taking full advantage. That has been the story of this series.
It has been five days since the teams last played. That's a disadvantage to Tampa Bay, which could lose some of its momentum. The Canadiens have had ample time to recover and regroup. I don't know if they can produce an ''A'' level performance against such a strong foe, but I'm certain they will produce an ''A'' level effort.
The Lightning aren't nearly in such desperation. They are fat and happy knowing that if they lose they get Montreal at home on Wednesday for Game 5. Subconsciously that could mean a letdown for the Lightning.
So I'm going to take a nice home 'dog price backing Montreal.
I don't see it happening, though. The Canadiens are an extremely prideful organization. Montreal has shown tremendous guts and resiliency in reaching the finals especially in knocking off the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights.
No doubt the Lightning are the superior team. Certainly not arguing that point. But the Canadiens haven't been dominated in this series even though they've been outscored, 14-5. Montreal has hurt itself with mistakes. The Lightning haven't let the Canadiens get away with that either, taking full advantage. That has been the story of this series.
It has been five days since the teams last played. That's a disadvantage to Tampa Bay, which could lose some of its momentum. The Canadiens have had ample time to recover and regroup. I don't know if they can produce an ''A'' level performance against such a strong foe, but I'm certain they will produce an ''A'' level effort.
The Lightning aren't nearly in such desperation. They are fat and happy knowing that if they lose they get Montreal at home on Wednesday for Game 5. Subconsciously that could mean a letdown for the Lightning.
So I'm going to take a nice home 'dog price backing Montreal.