The Tampa Bay Lightning own a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Canadiens and go for the jugular in Game 5 when the two teams meet on Saturday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
After digging themselves a 3-0 series deficit, the Canadiens staved off elimination with a 6-2 road victory in Game 4 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Montreal looked sharp in their Game 4 contest, and will look to carry the momentum on their home ice, but it could be too little – too late as they find themselves on the brink of elimination once again.
While teams have come back from a 3-0 series hole, it is unlikely for the Canadiens to do so in this scenario.
Anything is possible, but the Lightning seem to have the Canadiens number; so if Montreal is able to accomplish the inevitable we are looking at one of the greatest comebacks ever.
A lot of big “if’s”!
However, just last season, the Los Angeles Kings came roaring back against the San Jose Sharks after trailing 3-0 and eventually advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Oddsmakers have favored the Canadiens on the money line in this do-or-die contest, pegging them as a -135 chalk, with a take back of +115 on the Lightning.
The total is set at 5 goals, with a hefty price of -135 to pay on the UNDER.
Tampa Bay is even money to win the Eastern Conference and 15/4 to win the Cup. On the flip side, the Canadiens are priced at 11/1 and 25/1 respectively.
If Montreal is able to pull out a victory tonight, Game 6 will take place on Tuesday evening in Tampa.
Again, a lot of big “if’s”.