2011 NHL Playoffs Picks – Canadiens at Bruins Game 5 Odds and Predictions – Free NHL Picks 4-23-11

Free NHL Playoffs Picks and Odds: Game 5 Montreal Canadiens @ Boston Bruins Favorite, Moneyline, Total and Predictions 4/23/11: The Montreal Canadiens were not able to capitalize on their stolen games in Boston to commence the series and now find themselves in a tied affair. The two games in Montreal were entirely in the favor of the Bruins and the Canadiens almost seemed over confident. Too many times were Montreal players not back checking or sacrificing their bodies to shots from the point. They were out shot, out skated, and out coached for the two games in the province of Quebec. We also witnessed Cary Price descending back down to earth, he was not as dominant as in the first two tilts and Boston was able to expose him glove side. Mike Cammalari has slowed his production and he is no longer affording the opportunity to his teammates to make plays. He has made a career out of going into the dirty areas on the rink and setting up his teammates with prime scoring opportunities. In the two games in Montreal it seemed as though he was reluctant to battle in the corners or entertain physical play, possibly an injury may be hampering him.

Boston comes home tonight with a chance of capturing back home ice advantage, something that looked entirely out of the question almost a week ago. They have gotten back into the series by picking up their intensity and putting more traffic in front of the Montreal goal. Patrice Bergeron has led this effort and his leadership and ‘lead by example’ mentality is paying off in dividends for the entire Boston club. Zedeno Chara is also picking up the physical intensity and the team seems to rally whenever he makes a big hit or steps into the rush. Tim Thomas, although not great, has looked quite admirable after two disappointing performances at home last week. He is controlling his rebounds and is helping his offense by handling and moving the puck. Time will tell if the Bruins momentum gained with their overtime victory will carry forward to their crucial game 5 tilt with the Canadians’. The road team has won every game in this series thus far, a sign that maybe the pressure playing in front of a home crowd is overbearing.

Tonight we will recommend a play on the UNDER(Check the latest NHL Odds at SBG Global Sportsbook). This game is extremely crucial to both teams and we often see that teams will be timid in the opening frames to do too much. Both teams posses excellent goalies that seem to prevail when the elements are extreme. Both games in Boston last week fell under the posted total, so there is no reason to believe that anything will change. Montreal excels at playing a tightly fore checked and defensive trap on the road, a trait of low scoring road teams. Whoever scores first in this game will most likely sit on the lead for as long as possible. I expect a lot of dump and chase play and little power play opportunities. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal’s last 5 games on the road. Also, we have seen the total go UNDER in 5 of Boston’s last 5 games at home. We will consider these two teams giving up little space and little opportunities in a low scoring affair. Cheers!

Free Pick: UNDER 5
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