The Montreal Canadiens will be looking to win five games in a row during the playoffs for the first time since 2014 when they take on the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night in Game 2 of their second-round series as slim minus-105 road underdogs on the NHL odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Following the gameplan that proved so effective in the team's first-round upset win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Canadiens came ready to play in Game 1. Buoyed by two goals in the first five minutes of the game, Montreal once again defied expectations with a 5-3 victory that gives it a 1-0 series lead going into Friday night's matchup at Bell MTS Place.
Wednesday's victory has also given the Canadiens a boost on the NHL playoff series prices. Listed as a plus-105 underdog to win the series ahead of Game 1, Montreal has vaulted to strong minus-210 chalk to continue its playoff run with yet another upset series victory against Winnipeg.
However, Wednesday's win was marred by an injury to Canadiens forward Jake Evans late in the game. Evans was on the receiving end of a devastating hit from Jets forward Mark Scheifele while potting an empty-net goal with just over a minute remaining. Scheifele was handed a major penalty on the play and has been suspended for four games by the league.
And without Scheifele the Jets have an even tougher task to get back into this series as they get set to hit the ice as minus-115 home favourites on the Game 2 odds. Scheifele played a key role in Winnipeg's four-game sweep of the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, as the team's top scorer racked up five points, capped by a two-goal effort in the Jets' series-clinching victory.
Adding to the Jets' woes, Paul Stastny remains questionable for Game 2 after missing Game 1 with an undisclosed injury. In addition, Dylan DeMelo was forced to leave Game 1 with a lower-body injury, leaving his status uncertain for Friday's contest as well.
Later on Friday, the Colorado Avalanche will be trying to extend their undefeated post-season run as they visit the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 3 of their series as narrow minus-115 favourites at online betting sites. The Avalanche kept their streak alive with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 2, and have now tallied wins in 14 of their past 15 overall outings.
Listed as minus-105 home underdogs for Friday night, the Golden Knights will be looking to shake off a worrisome offensive slump. Vegas has been limited to two or fewer goals on four occasions during a 1-4-0 run, and has posted wins in just two of its last five home contests.
