This is a 10* GAME 1 TOP PLAY on the Canadiens.

I think that Montreal has much more than just a "punchers chance" in Game 1 (and in this series.)

If we look at each team's numbers in the regular season, then the Lightning have the clear advantage.

But if we look at each club's numbers in the playoffs, we discover that they're evenly matched.

Each is led by World class goaltenders. Montreal's Carey Price is only allowing 2.02 GPG, while Tampa's Andrei Vasilevskiy is conceding just 1.9 per contest.

The Lightning struggled to put away the Islanders, but now they face a team that's been even better defensively and also in finding ways to win.

I think Tampa's going to be in for a surprise here from this underrated Montreal team.

I say the Habs take Game 1.

Good luck, NP