2014 NHL New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadiens Odds and Predictions: Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Finals Picks

2014 NHL New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadiens Odds and Predictions: Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Finals Picks: When the playoffs began, neither the New York Rangers nor the Montreal Canadiens were supposed to be around long. Instead, the two teams will be facing off in the Eastern Conference finals after equally impressive comebacks in the semifinals. The Rangers were down 3-1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins before rallying to win the series while the Canadiens survived a pair of elimination games against the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins to advance. The series begins Saturday in Montreal with the winner advancing on to play for the Stanley Cup.

New York’s run to the conference finals has been fueled largely by the play of goalie Henrik Lundqvist. He has a 1.99 goals against average and a .931 save percentage so far, and he held the high-powered offense of the Pittsburgh Penguins to just three goals over the final three games of the series. Offensively, the Rangers have been doing just enough to get by. Veterans Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis and third-year player Mats Zuccarello have led the way with Richards scoring a team-high four goals.

Led by solid play in net from goalie Carey Price and a speedy offense, the Canadiens are firing on all cylinders at the perfect time. Price has posted a 2.15 goals against average and a .926 save percentage so far, holding the Boston Bruins to just a single goal over the final two games of their semifinal series. Ironically, defensemen P.K. Subban has led the way on offense for the Canadiens, registering a team-high 12 points, including seven on the power play. Thomas Vanek and Max Pacioretty have also been cashing in on the power play, and Vanek leads the team with five goals. Overall, Montreal is averaging 3.3 goals per game during the postseason.

The Rangers Win If:

For the Rangers to win this series, Lundqvist has to be the best goalie on the ice. New York’s offense simply isn’t going to match the firepower of Montreal’s offense, which means Lundqvist has to make up for the difference with his play between the pipes. As a team, New York’s defense has to be able to get physical with the speedy Canadiens in order to disrupt their offensive rhythm, especially on the power play. Offensively, Richards and St. Louis have to continue to provide stability for New York’s streaky offense, but the Rangers need an X-factor. Rick Nash is the ideal candidate, and while he is goaless so far in the postseason, he has enough talent to bounce back and take New York’s offense to the next level. If the Rangers can get decent offensive production and get another stellar showing from Lundqvist in net, they can grind out another series victory.

The Canadiens Win If:

If Montreal is going to win this series, the Canadiens need to put pressure on New York’s offense to carry its weight. Yes, Price is a good enough goaltender to carry the load in his own right, but the Rangers need a low-scoring series decided by Lundqvist and Price if they have any chance of winning. The Canadiens on the other hand have been playing well enough on offense to win games, even if Price happens to allow a goal or two. Offensively, Montreal’s top line will play a big role, and if Subban, Vanek and Pacioretty can continue to play at a high level, the Canadiens should continue to score goals. If Montreal can use its speed to put consistent pressure on Lundqvist and New York’s defense and light the lamp at least a couple of times per game, they are going to be in great shape.

Bottom Line:

With New York’s defensive style and Montreal’s surging offense, this series seems destined to be a back-and-forth affair as both teams fight to dictate the tempo. While New York’s physical style and the play of Lundqvist would seem to have an edge over the course of a series, the Canadiens just outlasted a Boston team that is just as physical on defense and much better on offense than the Rangers are. Not to mention the fact that Price was able outplay Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, who is likely going to win the Vezina Trophy this year. Granted, New York has already shown with its comeback against Pittsburgh that it has no problem playing with its back against the wall. However, the combination of a hot offense and Price’s steady play in net will allow the Canadiens to outlast the Rangers.

Prediction: Montreal Canadiens Win in 7 Games

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