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Brendan Gallagher brings some toughness to the Canadiens.

The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning are taking part in perhaps the best first-round series of the NHL playoffs. It’s been a highly entertaining series that has gone back and forth, with neither team winning consecutive games, and three of the first five games going to overtime.

There are so many measures to show how close this series has been, but look no further than the last four games in the series all ending in a final score of 3-2. In game five, the Canadiens took a 3-2 advantage in the series after the Lightning went ice cold in the third period, but credit to the Montreal defenders for minimizing the Lightning attack.

Let’s get into the betting markets for this game, and some odds and predictions.

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Lightning vs. Canadiens Game 6 Odds

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The game 6 matchup between the Canadiens and Lightning will be broadcast on ESPN2 and the ESPN app/ESPN streaming. Ice Drop is set for 7:10 p.m. EST and is in the Bell Centre.

As mentioned, this series has been razor close with all the games being within one goal, which is very important to think about when placing bets.

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook:

Moneyline: Tampa Bay Lightning; -115 ($115 bet wins $100), Montreal Canadiens; -105

Puck line: Lightning -1.5 (+225), Canadiens +1.5 (-278)

For what it’s worth, the Canadiens have covered the line of 1.5 in every game in this series, and no team has won by more than two goals.

Goals Scored (5.5) Over (-112) Under (-108) 

In the last four games, each game has ended with exactly five goals, all via a score of 3-2.

This has been a great series, and game 6 should follow suit!

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Lightning vs. Canadiens Predictions

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This series just feels destined for a game seven. After how cold Tampa Bay was in the third period of game five, I expect the Lightning to come out with a fire under them on the offensive attack. So my prediction is the Lightning to extend the series with a win, and honestly, taking the puck line (-1.5) might not be a bad bet either.

It’s a pretty bold prediction, given that Bell Centre is going to be rocking, and that might give the Canadiens an advantage. Montreal has been amazing on the power play in this series, and that’s likely what will decide game 6.

The Lightning love to commit penalties, which could benefit Montreal, but with an experienced coach and great goalie, Tampa Bay is the slight favorite in this game, but the betting line indicates that it’s more of a toss-up.

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^^ I went 0/2, so what do I know….