Tampa Bay vs Montreal. NHL Match Prediction and Bets

Current form

Tampa Bay three-game home series didn't end in the best way. In the game against Florida, the team couldn't put up a decent fight against a strong opponent, losing 2-4. Goalie Vasilevskiy saved only 88% of the shots, which was the weak link in this match. Earlier, the Lightning compensated for their defensive mistakes with high scoring, which allowed them to win a confident victory over Columbus with a score of 5-3. It especially worth mentioning forward Paul, who scored a goal and made two assists. In the return match against the Panthers, they managed to get revenge, defeating them dry (4-0). It hard to even single out any of the players, as many distinguished themselves with effective actions. It worth noting that in this match, Kucherov received a match penalty, but was able to avoid disqualification for the next match.

Returning to the home arena, Tampa fought with the Rangers and showed all its attacking potential, leaving no chance for its competitor (6:2). Kucherov was able to score a goal and gave two assists. Forward Point also distinguished himself, having collected three effective actions. As you can see, at the moment the club is in excellent shape, thanks to which it crushes almost all opponents on its way, and at the moment the team is on the seventh line in the Eastern Conference table, having 42 points.

Disqualifications and injuries

Tampa has no serious losses in its squad. Only Moser is in the infirmary, Aissimont is still questionable.

Interesting trends for betting

• Tampa Bay averages four goals per game

The club remains one of the most productive in the league.

• On average, the Lightning receive nine penalty minutes per game.

Unfortunately, the team still has discipline issues. Lightning players break the rules too often.

Current form

Montreal has picked up a great pace and is practically unbeaten, with all matches ending in regulation time. After two victories over Detroit with a score of 4:3 and 5:1 respectively, the team went to visit Columbus and again had every chance of success, but due to constant failures in defense, it allowed the Blue Jackets not only to tie the score, but also to earn an advantage at the very end of the match, which led to a defeat (4:5). Goalkeeper Montembeault showed his worst side, reflecting only 84% of shots.

Continuing to play on the road, the Canadiens met a much more powerful opponent in the person of Florida, and this time they played much more reliably, which allowed them to win an unexpected dry victory with a score of 4:0. Young goaltender Jakub Dobes played his first game not only for Montreal, but also in the NHL as a whole, and immediately proved himself from the best side, making his first shutout, while reflecting 34 shots. The points scored helped the Canadians rise from the last line in the Eastern Conference standings, and the gap from the playoff zone was reduced to five points.

Disqualifications and injuries

Montreal still has goalie Price in the infirmary, but all other players remain active

Interesting trends for betting

• Montreal is allowing an average of 3.5 goals per game.

The club main problem throughout the season has been its weak defensive play.

• The Canadiens average ten penalty minutes per game.

The team also has serious problems with discipline, which leads to frequent removals.