The 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs will start the Western Conference Championship series tonight, as the Montreal Canadiens face the Vegas Golden Knights in a series of seven games for a ticket the Stanley Cup Finals. It is an intriguing series, as the Golden Knights head into their third divisional final in just four years of existence. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are currently on a seven game winning streak. Both teams have had quite the road to get here, but one team will head down the path to glory, the other towards elimination and getting the first win could help define the rest of this series.

Can Vegas kick off the series with a win at home? Or will the Canadiens continue to extend their streak all the way into the finals?. Let’s dive into the latest expert preview for the Canadiens vs. Golden Knights, along with the latest NHL odds, betting trends and predictions. Be sure to be on the lookout for updated NHL odds and lines out our online Bitcoin sportsbook before placing your bets!

Canadiens vs. Golden Knights Game 1 Information

• When: Monday, June 14th, 2021, 9:00 PM ET
• Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• TV: NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS
• Radio: TSN 690 Montreal (Canadiens) // FOX Sports 98.9 FM (Vegas)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Vegas Golden Knights (-244) / OU: 5.5

READ MORE: Islanders vs. Lightning NHL Playoffs Odds and Game 2 Pick – June 15th, 2021

Why Bet on the Montreal Canadiens?

Many experts had the Habs not going so far in the playoffs, but they have turned heads and predictions around. They became the North Division champions by elaborating an effective defensive plan, along with strong lines. Of course, you can’t mention this performance without goalie Carey Price, who’s currently averaging a .935 save percentage.

On the defense, they won’t have Jeff Petry in action due to a finger injury in Game 3 of their series against the Winnipeg Jets. He has been another major reason for their success so far. Replacing him with Brett Kulak, this should be enough to stop the Knights’ offensive line for the time being. If they are able to hold the line, this will be part of their success if they take the win on the road.

Why Bet on the Vegas Golden Knights?

The numbers compared to Montreal are superior. Just during the regular season, Vegas scored 190 goals, placing them in the third spot of the rankings for most goals scored. Their offensive line can be brutal and intimidating. This is the team that took the down the top team of the season with no fear. So expect that same power from them in this series.

As for the defense, the majority of the work will come from the hands of Marc-Andre Fleury. He currently holds a save percentage of .923 in the playoffs and averaging 1.91 goals against average, making him second best in the league. If the Habs can get passed Fleury, it will be a tough night for the Golden Knights. But they are no strangers to be in this spot of the playoffs. They will bring their A-game indeed.

Canadiens vs. Golden Knights Betting Trends

• The Canadiens are 7-0 SU in the last 7 games.
• The Canadiens are 5-1 SU in the last 6 games against Vegas.
• The totals went under in 6 of Montreal’s last 9 games.
• The Golden Knights are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
• The Golden Knights are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home.
• The totals went over in 5 of Vegas’ last 5 games against Montreal.

Canadiens vs. Golden Knights Expert Betting Predictions

By just looking at the stats, the Golden Knights beat the Canadiens pretty much in anyway. But then again, it’s the playoffs, where anything can happen. Such is the case for Montreal. They will coming into the T-Mobile with a lot of confidence over their shoulders, which will definitely bring their fear factor down. But Vegas is no stranger in the playoffs and have had plenty of success when they’ve been it. Still no Stanley Cup, but they are very close to obtaining one. They just have to win this series first.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.