Monday’s NHL Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their hockey playoffs picks and predictions for Monday, April 20.
Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens, 7:05PM ET
They’re hardly your father’s Big Bad Bruins, and Boston is using its newfound playoff discipline to the Montreal Canadiens’ chagrin.
Montreal’s players gathered at the team’s suburban practice facility for off-ice training Sunday after losing 5-1 in Boston the night before.
“I’d say that today our most important place to get some direction or movement towards (Monday)’s game is between the ears,” Canadiens GM and coach Bob Gainey said.
The Bruins scored three power-play goals Saturday night before the Canadiens enjoyed their first and only man advantage late in the second game.
“They’ve been playing smart, staying out of the box,” Montreal right wing Tom Kostopoulos said. “We can learn from that.”
Boston, which also stayed off the ice Sunday, has only been short-handed three times overall while building a 2-0 lead in the first-round series.
NHL Free Pick: Montreal – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +115 SBG Global
Washington Capitals at New York Rangers, 7:05PM ET
Henrik Lundqvist looked as calm and cool as possible, and had every reason to.
The Rangers goalie earned the right to relax after being the biggest factor in New York’s back-to-back road playoff wins that have put the Washington Capitals in big trouble in the first round.
Lundqvist took advantage of the team’s optional practice Sunday and dressed casually in a leather jacket. After stopping 67 of 70 shots – including 35 on Saturday in the Rangers’ 1-0 win in Game 2 – who could blame him?
“A lot of teams try to put a lot of pucks on the net and try to create something from basically nothing – create rebounds or whatever,” Lundqvist said. “I am prepared for it and I don’t expect it to change the next couple of games.
“They’re going to try to play even better. I like the challenge facing one of the best teams in the East – a great offensive team. It’s fun.”
NHL Free Pick: NY Rangers – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +125 SBG Global
Chicago Blackhawks at Calgary Flames, 9:35PM ET
Down 2-0 in their Western Conference quarterfinal series because they couldn’t protect leads in Chicago, the Calgary Flames know it could be a long summer for the salary-cap club built for a long playoff run.
The Flames, set for Game 3 on Monday night, squandered a two-goal lead in Game 2 after Chicago came from behind to win Game 1 in overtime.
“I think it is about getting that first one and that bubble burst and some momentum on our side and sealing a deal,” Calgary captain Jarome Iginla said. “Once you get it, I think it can be a huge momentum shift to finally get rid of that 0-6.”
NHL Free Pick: Calgary – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -145 SBG Global
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Posted: 4/20/09 12:00 AM ET