Free Picks: Jets vs. Canadiens, 2021 Stanley Cup Round 2

The Canadiens are moving on!

After dropping the Winnipeg Jets in 4 games, the Canadiens shocked the hockey world with a sweep. Montreal did not trail for the entirety of the series and continue their Cinderella run as they were the lowest-seeded team in the North Division and the NHL!

Carey Price continued to steal the show, currently sporting 1.97 GAA in the postseason. Tyler Toffoli netted the game-winner in OT to advance the Canadiens. Other Montreal standouts include Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Corey Perry.

Montreal will play the winner of Colorado/Vegas in the third round.

Underdogs once again, the Canadiens took care of business by sweeping the Jets in the second round.

June 2, 07:30 p.m., Bell MTS

Did anyone predict this?

Entering the NHL Playoffs, I think it’s safe to say that selecting either the Montreal Canadiens or Winnipeg Jets to win their respective series would be a longshot.

For both of them to win? That would have been nuts. Well, the unthinkable has happened as both the Jets and Habs have moved onto the second round.

Looking at betting odds for the series, Betway Sports has the Jets at -138 to win the series outright. Both the Jets and Canadiens were underdogs in their first-round matchups.

After eliminating the Oilers in 4 games, the Jets have had ample time to prepare and rest for this series. Could that backfire for the Jets entering Game 1? Analysts are siding with Winnipeg to win this series and they are the favorites for the second round of Stanley Cup odds, but that may also fuel the fire for Montreal.

For this BetPicks Prediction, I think looking at total goals makes the most sense. Connor Hellebuyck and Carey Price dominate the blue paint and I think it’s going to be a real struggle for either offense to light the lamp in Game 1.

The over/under is listed at 5.5 and I think the under at -140 (Betway) is my suggestion for this free NHL prediction. Montreal and Winnipeg have talented forwards, but I think Hellebuyck and Price stand tall (as they usually do).

As for the winner straight up, I actually like the Canadiens to win this game. They are defensive-minded, which could frustrate Winnipeg. Montreal has the ability to take a one-or-two goal lead and just stand tall defensively. Adding the fact that Price is in goal, it could be difficult for the Jets to generate any real offense on Wednesday.

Lastly, I turn back to my point about Winnipeg having rest. While they have been practicing, their last game was over a week ago. Will Winnipeg need to get their legs under them to start the series?

BET ON MONTREAL TO WIN

June 4, 07:30p.m., Bell MTS Place

Can the Jets bounce back?

After an unfortunate incident at the tail end of Game 1, Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets has been suspended for 4 games. With the Jets already down 1-0 in the series, how will his absence affect Stanley Cup odds?

The Canadiens are now favorites to win the series at -223(Betway), but the Canadiens know all-too-well that a 1-0 series lead is never safe.

Entering Game 2, I think we could see the opposite of Game 1. The Canadiens caught Winnipeg off-guard as the Jets hadn’t played in a week. Now that they have their legs back under them, Winnipeg could easily even the series. Of course, Scheifele’s absence will impact the Jets, but it’s hard to discredit the rest of this Winnipeg lineup.

I was kind of surprised to see such a high-scoring game in Game 1. Carey Price and Connor Hellebuyck are two phenomenal goaltenders, so I don’t expect there to be a ton of scoring in Game 2. With the over/under listed at 5.5, I think taking the under (-135) will be your best NHL bet for this game. Goals were easy to come by, but the shot totals weren’t anything special. I think Game 1 was just a blip for both goalies and we should see a low-scoring second game.

As for the winner straight up, I like the Jets to come back and even the series. It may be bold, but that first game was detrimental to Winnipeg after so much rest. And if you watched Game 1, I wouldn’t say Winnipeg played terribly.

I think the biggest difference-maker will be how disciplined Winnipeg is. The Jets took 3 penalties (5 in total) that were costly as the Habs scored on the man advantage. Granted, the Jets were able to score shorthanded, but seeing PP goals compared to SH goals is far more realistic.

Even though Scheifele was in the wrong for his hit, the Jets are playing for him and his suspension. With the Jets at home and a playoff game under their belt once again, I think Winnipeg takes Game 2.

BET ON WINNIPEG TO WIN

June 6, 06:00p.m., Bell Centre

The North Division is electric!

Not only do we have two teams that weren’t supposed to make it this far, but the statistically worse team in the North Division (of playoff teams) is also up 2-0. It’s been a wild ride as the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets prepare for a pivotal game 3.

For those that love goal-scoring, this hasn’t been the series for you. But for those that love hockey with grit, this has been an enjoyable experience. This leads me into my free NHL pick for Game 3.

The under for total goals has been a popular bet and I think taking the under for Game 3 will be your best NHL bet for this game.

The over/under is listed at 5.5 and I am double-dipping with the under -145 (Betway). As we’re all aware, the most common NHL final score is 3-2. I think it’s a no-brainer to take the under for this game with how both Carey Price and Connor Hellebuyck have been playing.

I am confident in this free NHL prediction because neither teams’ offenses have been dominant as well. It seems as if this series will be a low-scoring grind, which is why I think we see less than 6 goals in this game.

The Canadiens are the favorites entering this game at -135. But I think taking the Jets at +115 will be the play on the Moneyline.

Winnipeg is getting chances but not converting. I actually think that the Jets have been solid defensively, it’s their offense that has sketched me out. If they manage to crack Price, this series could be blown open.

Carey Price is the difference-maker in this series so far, but the Jets put together 3 goals in Game 1. Although the series shifts back to Montreal, I think the Jets will eventually break through against Price. If not, Winnipeg will be on the brink of elimination.

BET ON WINNIPEG TO WIN

June 7, TBD, Bell Centre

What is going on up North?

Someone pinch me because I don’t believe what I am seeing. The Montreal Canadiens are one win away from sweeping the Winnipeg Jets. The North Division was a wild ride in the regular season and all of the craziness has carried over to the playoffs.

The Jets have their backs against the wall and will attempt to fight off elimination in front of Montreal’s hometown crowd. Bookmakers are not siding with the Jets. Going into Game 4, the Jets are listed at +120 (10Bet) on the Moneyline.

For this BetPicks Prediction, I think there are several betting opportunities. The first line I want to look at is the Montreal Puck Line. The Canadiens are listed at -1.5 on the Puck Line at +180 and I think that is a serviceable bet for this game.

A day after Montreal dropped 5 on the Jets, I can see the same thing happening on Monday. This wager will rely heavily on the third period. Even if the Canadiens are leading by one goal late, the Jets will need to pull their goalie in an attempt to save their season. If this happens, the Canadiens could easily extend their lead.

I would only wager on the Canadiens’ Puck Line if you believe Montreal will win Game 4.

With that being said, I think taking the over for total goals in the first frame will be the best NHL bet you can make.

The line is listed at 1.5 and I think the over (+105) is smart because the Jets will be playing desperate. They will be throwing everything they have towards the Montreal goal, which could expose themselves on defense as well. I think this game has the potential to be high-scoring and it starts in the opening period.

For the winner straight up, I would take the Canadiens for this expert pick. I think the Jets have something left in the tank, but Carey Price has terrorized Winnipeg in the blue paint. Montreal is the favorite at –145 and I think they can complete the sweep on Monday.

BET ON MONTREAL TO WIN