Hockey fans looking to watch something other than March Madness odds games on Saturday night will get to watch a classic, original six match up between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. Although the result in this one means little for the Maple Leafs non-existent playoff hopes, there will still be consolation for the team’s fans if they can play spoiler and hurt the postseason chances of the seventh seeded Canadiens.
Montreal Canadiens @ Toronto Maple Leafs
Saturday March 20, 2010 – 7PM ET
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Online Betting Line: Montreal -110
The Canadiens have been playing their best hockey of the season since the Olympic break, registering a 7-1 record including their current six-game winning streak they will look to defend against the last place Maple Leafs. Even without leading scorer Mike Cammalleri, Montreal has found a way to ignite the offense, which was its Achilles heel for much of the first half of the season. The Habs have scored 24 goals on their current winning streak, an average of four goals per game. A big reason for the offensive success has been the chemistry between Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, and Benoit Pouliot. Gomez and Gionta played together in New Jersey several years back, and look to have found that chemistry. Pouliot has been the perfect complement as the power forward with a scoring touch. Three of the Canadiens’ next six games are against teams currently placed outside a playoff spot, and it will be important to take advantage and gain maximum points in those games to help clinch a playoff spot.
The Maple Leafs have long been out of contention for a playoff spot, but that hasn’t stopped them from actually becoming a more competitive team since the Olympic break. Toronto is two games above .500 in eight games since returning from the break, and what is more impressive is that four of those six wins have come against teams currently holding a playoff spot in the Eastern conference. After trading several veteran players at the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs have thrived as the National Hockey League’s youngest team.
No matter where these teams are in the standings it is always a competitive game when they meet. Montreal has won three of the first four games they have played, but since they all went past regulation, including two overtime wins and one shootout win, Toronto has earned a point in every one of those games with a 1-0-3 mark. Both teams have been playing their best hockey of the season in March, and with Montreal looking to continue their winning streak and become one step closer to clinching a playoff spot, this game should be as exciting as any March Madness predictions come Saturday night. Expect the Canadiens to continue to roll with a road win over their longtime nemesis, in a game that very well could once again go to extra time.
5dimes reviews Pick: Montreal -110
Original Story:
http://www.theonetimer.com/2010/03/19...
