NHL Live Betting: Battle for First between Tampa Bay and Montreal

The NHL Playoffs are only a couple weeks away from beginning and all teams in contention for a playoff berth are fighting to solidify their place in the off-season. One of the biggest battles in the NHL gets underway tonight at 00:30 (UK) between the Tampa Bay Lightning travelling to Montreal, Quebec to take on the Canadiens.

The Montreal Canadiens are currently in first place in the Atlantic Division and second place overall in the entire NHL just one point behind the Mighty Ducks. The Lightning are just behind the Habs in second place of the Atlantic Division and could take over top spot with a couple of wins in these last eleven days. With the way Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is playing lately, the Lightning will need to work hard to find the back of the net, but they have been one of the best teams in the league this year and tonight should be a fast and furious game.

Team Scope

Lightning

Tampa Bay have been amazing against the Canadiens all season, winning all four games between the two so far. Head to Head, the Lightning have scored 16 goals to the Canadiens’ 5, but will be hard-pressed to beat the Habs this late in the season, while in Canada.

Stamkos, Hedman and Johnson have been the main threat for the Lightning scoring a combined 10 goals over the four games against the Canadiens. Bishop has been incredible in net against the Canadiens and tonight will come down to which goalie is on his game.

Canadiens

The Canadiens are having one of their best season in the last few years and look to cap it off with a good run in the 2015 playoffs. As it stands now, they will face the Boston Bruins in the first round, a team that they share one of the longest histories against in the entire NHL. They need a few more wins to stay in top spot and could do so against the Lightning tonight.

Led by Pacioretty, Plakanec, Subban, Gallagher and Desharnais, the Canadiens are at full strength and will pose quite a threat for the visiting Lightning.

Live in-Play Sports Betting

Punters eager to place a bet on tonight’s huge game will be able to do so with an online sports book like bet365. The UK online bookmaker is offering live in play props throughout the 3 periods and a number of pre-game props including Over/Under (1.90), Point Spread, outright winner, Correct Score and much more.