Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
In a few hours, the Montreal Canadiens will hit the ice for Game 1 of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning—and no one believes in them.
According to bookmakers, the Montreal Canadiens have less than a 30% chance of winning this series.
Less than 30%. You read that right!
Despite a 106-point season, despite finishing sixth overall in the NHL standings, despite a 2-1-1 record against Tampa this season, the Habs are considered heavy underdogs.
We’re talking about +240 odds for the Montreal Canadiens (3.40).
That’s massive, and it’s a clear slight against a team that was dominant all season.
Lightning experience vs Canadiens youth sets tone for Game 1 matchup
The Lightning’s experience tips the scale—Jon Cooper, Nikita Kucherov, Corey Perry, Andrei Vasilevskiy… you name it.
Tampa has serious playoff pedigree.
But the Canadiens’ youth could be their greatest weapon.
Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky.
None of them are afraid of anyone.
And that’s exactly the kind of situation that can ignite a locker room.
Head coach Martin St-Louis won’t even need to find a motivational speech tonight.
The odds speak for themselves.
They know no one is giving them a chance.
And that might be the best thing that could happen to a young team like this.
And you—do you believe the Montreal Canadiens have more than a 30% chance of winning this series against the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Montreal Canadiens given under 30% odds to win series vs Lightning despite regular season edge
Will the Montreal Canadiens pull off an upset and eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning?