This is 10* UNDERDOG GAME OF THE YEAR on Montreal.

I understand this is a bit of a stretch, but I like the Canadiens to catch the Hurricanes flat-footed here. The Habs almost pulled off a huge upset in their 6-5 OT loss at Tampa out of the X-Mas Break and I'm expecting another full three-period effort here as well from the lowly visiting side tonight.

Clearly, Carolina is the better team. It's been fantastic this season. The Hurricanes will have a night off after this, before a New Year's Day game at Columbus.

If we simply go by these team's win/loss records and offensive and defensive numbers, then all signs would point to a lop-sided blowout for the Hurricanes today. Hence the huge line though.

However, picking and choosing spots on big underdogs in certain "spots" is what wagering is all about. Montreal won't be in the playoffs. It's not going to pretend that it will be. But the Habs need to build some positive momentum in the second half of the season as they look ahead to next season.

I say this is a great "spot" to pull the trigger on this ravenous underdog.

The play is MONTREAL.

Good luck, NP