Friday, April 18, 7:00 PM on CNBC, CBC, RDS, FSFL

Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa, Florida

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Montreal went into Tampa Bay in game one Wednesday night and abruptly left with home ice in their hands. This was a big coup in the 2-3-2 days but the 2-2-1-1-1 format gives the home team a better chance at survival. Tampa Bay finds themselves in a must-win situation much sooner than they would've liked but a win Friday is the first step in getting back on track.

To say the Canadiens win came as a shock definitely wouldn't be a stretch as Montreal had led the season series 3-0-1. The Lightning had won the last two meetings in the regular season but taking a closer look shows these teams match up a lot closer than at first glance. For instance 3 of the 4 games the teams played this season went into extra time and Tampa only had 1 more point on the regular season 101-100.

Judging from Wednesday night's first game this could be one of the most entertaining opening postseason series. Oddsmakers made Tampa slight favorites at -110 but the +102 Montreal line indicated a close game. The teams traded goals throughout ending the first at 1-1 and the 2nd period 2-2. The teams traded multiple goals in a highly entertaining 3rd period to enter OT at 4-4. It took 18:08 of overtime before a Dale Wiese goal lifted Montreal to the 5-4 victory and 1-0 series lead until reconvening in Tampa Friday night.

ATS Trends

Montreal is 23-18 straight up on the road this season

Montreal is 15-21-5 against the over/under on the road this season

Tampa Bay is 25-16 straight up at home this season

Tampa Bay is 21-17-3 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Montreal

04/11/14 C Alex Galchenyuk Knee out indefinitely
03/26/14 LW Travis Moen Concussion out indefinitely

Tampa Bay

10/12/13 D Brian Lee Knee out indefinitely
04/17/14 LW Ondrej Palat Upper Body questionable
04/13/14 LW Ryan Malone Legal problems doubtful Friday vs Montreal
04/09/14 GO Ben Bishop Elbow expected to miss 3 weeks

Guy's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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