2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Semifinals Picks: Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins Odds and Predictions

2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Semifinals Picks: Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins Odds and Predictions: While the NHL playoffs have been highlighted by a number of competitive series, the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins cruised into their semifinal matchup. Montreal swept the Tampa Bay Lightning in their first-round matchup, and after dropping its opener against the Detroit Red Wings, Boston won four straight to advance on. Now, the two franchises will meet for a record-setting 34th time in the playoffs with a spot in the conference finals up for grabs.

The Canadiens have been winning with defense most of the year, and led by star goalie Carey Price, Montreal allowed the eighth-fewest goals in the NHL this season. Meanwhile, a late trade to acquire Thomas Vanek provided just enough offensive help for leading-scorer Max Pacioretty to put the Canadiens over the hump. Granted, Montreal still doesn’t have a ton of offensive depth, but the Canadiens are fast up front and disciplined on the blue line.

Boston ‘s calling card all year has been balance. The Bruins ranked third in the NHL in scoring with David Krejci leading the way as one of six players to top 50 points. Meanwhile, goalie Tuukka Rask led the NHL in shutouts and save percentage and helped Boston allow the second-fewest goals. Throw in a physical group of defensemen led by Zdeno Chara, and Boston can absolutely wear down opponents with its depth.

The Canadiens Win If:

For the Canadiens to win this series, they need to offset Boston’s size and physicality with their speed. Pacioretty, Vanek and the rest of Montreal’s top line have to be able to produce throughout the series, and that is going to get progressively tougher if they are getting knocked around on a routine basis. Perhaps more importantly, Montreal has to make the Bruins pay if they do get overly physical by capitalizing on power play opportunities. Defensively, Montreal needs to remain its typically disciplined self, and it certainly won’t hurt if Price has a great series and can play like the goalie that ranked second in save percentage during the regular season.

The Bruins Win If:

If the Bruins are going to win this series, they need to wear down the Canadiens with their physical play and offensive depth. Specifically, Boston’s top lines need to focus its efforts on slowing down Pacioretty and Montreal’s top line that is responsible for a majority of the Candiens’ scoring by knocking them around and making them work if they want to get to the net. If Boston’s top line can play Montreal’s top line to a draw and make sure the series is decided by secondary scoring options, the Bruins’ depth should win out. Between the pipes, Rask simply needs to be his typically consistent self.

Bottom Line:

On one hand, the Canadiens won three of the four meetings with the Bruins during the regular season, holding Boston to just a single goal in all three victories. They also looked dominant on both ends of the ice in their sweep of Tampa Bay. However, it’s worth noting that the Lightning were without Vezina Trophy finalist Ben Bishop in net for the series. Meanwhile, the Bruins will have their Vezina Trophy finalist in net in Rask, and perhaps more importantly, Boston’s depth and physical style will be much more effective at wearing down the smaller Canadiens in a series format than it was during the regular season. Granted, Price is playing great and Montreal is firing on all cylinders, but in the end, Rask’s play between the pipes and Boston multitude of scoring options will allow the Bruins to advance.

Prediction: Boston Bruins Win in 7 Games

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