NHL playoff preview, pick: Montreal vs. Tampa

The Canadiens face the Lightning in the first round, a team that has their number, and Max Pacioretty will be pivotal for Montreal's success.

Atlantic Divisional Series

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens

Season series: Lightning won 3-0-1

They have a history: These teams have met only once before in the playoffs, but it was an especially memorable encounter for the Lightning, who defeated the Canadiens in the second round before winning the Stanley Cup back in 2004. In more recent history, the 2013-14 season series could not have been closer. Three of the four games were low scoring, one-goal decisions requiring either overtime or a shootout.

For the Lightning to win: From the crease on out, Tampa’s chances rest heavily on the difference-makers. The Lightning have lost starting goaltender Ben Bishop to injury and the incumbent, Anders Lindback, must perform at the level that earned him First Star of the Week for the final seven days of the regular season. Up front, the Bolts are a deep and talented group led by 24-year-old captain Steven Stamkos, who comes into the playoffs with 10 goals in his last 14 for a total of 25 in 37 games this season. In order for the Lightning to advance, however, Stamkos will need a strong supporting cast. Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson have had exceptional rookie seasons, both starring in key roles in a variety of different situations, and will be counted on to perform at an even higher level here in the post-season. Ditto veteran recruit Ryan Callahan, who’s been solid, recording 11 points (six goals) in 20 games since being acquired from the New York Rangers. That being said, it all boils down to even-strength possession time, which was dominated by the Bolts in each of the four meetings earlier this season. If they can stay out of the box and otherwise keep things even on special teams, look for the Lightning to shine offensively.

Best Lightning storyline: The status of Bishop could well affect the outcome of the series. The 27-year-old was having a spectacular year with a 37-14-7 record, 2.23 goals-against average and .924 save percentage, but an ill-timed upper-body (wrist) injury has sidelined him indefinitely. Bishop, the leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top puck stopper, could return “at some point” in the series, according to Lightning coach Jon Cooper, but there is no timeline for a return.

Leading scorer: Ondrej Palat, 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists)

Game 1 starter: Anders Lindback, 8-12-2, 2.90 goals-against average, .891 save percentage


For the Canadiens to win: Carey Price, who set a new career high in save percentage this season (.927), will have to be at his best. Price, 26, proved to the world he was more than capable of performing under immense pressure, backstopping Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, but he’ll need to put up a similar performance against one of the game’s top snipers (Stamkos) to grow his young, ever-evolving legacy as one of the NHL’s best. With Bishop out for the Lightning, the Canadiens have a significant edge in goal. Offensively, the top line of Thomas Vanek, Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais is one of the hottest in the league, recording 18 goals and 23 assists in 14 games together. If they can continue this pace and get things going on the power play, look out.

Best Canadiens storyline: Paging P.K.! Failing to record even a single point in his last six games, the 2013 Norris Trophy winner is without a goal in 19 straight, although he has tallied 11 assists in that span while averaging more than 25 minutes per game in ice time. For once in his career, the offensive burden does not begin and end with P.K. Subban. The acquisition of Vanek back on trade deadline day has strengthened coach Michel Therrien’s roster, offering the likes of Brendan Gallagher (41 regular-season points) and Tomas Plekanec (43) the opportunity to bloom against softer competition. The Canadiens have the talent to compete against the Lightning, but it’s their depth across all positions that could push them over the top.

Leading scorer: Max Pacioretty, 60 points (39 goals, 21 assists)

Game 1 starter: Carey Price, 34-20-5, 2.32 goals-against average, .927 save percentage


Matchup to watch: The Canadiens enter the post-season having gone 23 straight power-plays without a goal. If they’re to have any success these playoffs, they have to pull an immediate 180 degrees against the pedestrian, 80.7-percent, 23rd-ranked Lightning penalty kill.

Big question: Can the Lightning overcome the loss of Ben Bishop and get playoff-calibre goaltending from Anders Lindback?

Best bet: Canadiens in seven.


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