If it weren't for a goal by Tomas Plekanec with 17 seconds left in Game 2, the Canadiens might be looking at playoff elimination.here.

Instead, Montreal is up 2-1 in the series having won two in a row. I understand the Rangers have trouble winning playoff games at home. But this is a fair price to back the home Rangers, whose main core of players are due to perform better.

The Rangers and Canadiens play similar styles relying on speed, defense and the transition game. The Canadiens' edge is goalie Carey Price.

However, Henrik Lundqvist is playing at just as high level as Price. It's not his fault the Rangers are down 2-1 in the series. It's step up time for Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Hayes and Mike Zuccarello. I see them getting the job down at home in this pivotal matchup.