- The Montreal Canadiens are significant underdogs in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
- The Canadiens scraped out an overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4.
- The Lightning have roundly outplayed the Canadiens in the series.
TAMPA, Fla. - Can the Montreal Canadiens pull off a minor miracle and keep this Stanley Cup Finals series alive? It took an overtime victory in Game 4 for the Canadiens to take a win away from the dominant Tampa Bay Lightning, and the online sportsbooks still regard the Lightning as a heavy favorite.
Games 1-3 were lopsided affairs, all ending in favor of the Lightning, and it seemed to take every ounce of effort from the Canadiens to pull off the Game 4 overtime victory.
Still, extending the series here is not out of the question, even if the Canadiens are significant underdogs to do so on the online sportsbooks.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Moneyline
- Montreal Canadiens +205
- Tampa Bay Lightning -245
The Canadiens’ odds in individual games have gotten longer and longer over the course of the series. Now, on the verge of elimination, they’re being given less than a one-in-three chance of making it to a Game 6.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Puck Line
- Montreal Canadiens +1.5 (-130)
- Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+110)
The puck line has almost reached the point at which the odds are equalized after the handicap is applied, but it hasn’t reached that point yet. It seems as though the sports betting community has agreed that the Canadiens got one win, and that’s all they’re going to get.
The fact that their win in Game 4, instead of moving the odds for Game 5 towards them, moved the odds away from them is telling.
The series, of course, is well in favor of the Lightning at this point. Up 3-1, they have a dominant lead in terms of odds.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Series Price
- Montreal Canadiens +1200
- Tampa Bay Lightning -4000
If the Canadiens manage to come back and win this game, it will be a serious upset - if they come back and win this series, it will be nothing short of a miracle.
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals kicks off at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday. Fans of online gambling can watch the game on NBC.