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Posted at 1:30 PM EST.

7:05 PM EST. OT included. Yeah, the Panthers are dangerous and will enjoy playing the role of the spoiler here but they are much better suited in the role of the underdog and we’ll leave it at that, as this wager is all about sticking with it and coming right back on the Canadiens. That’s where the value is. Another reason we’re taking back a bigger price on Montreal is because Antti Niemi will start but that’s fine with us because the goaltender at the other end will be James Reimer. Advantage: nobody.

After losing in Tampa Bay last night, the Canadiens have now dropped three in a row, thus their stock is sinking but the three losses occurred against Toronto, Nashville and Tampa Bay and Montreal was the better team in two of those three games. Prior, Montreal beat Winnipeg, 5-2. Montreal played the toughest four-game stretch by any team this year and came away with a 1-2-1 record, but were matching each of their opponents step for step throughout. The Habs will now take a step down in class when facing the Panthers and they’ll be taking back a bigger price than they should be. Montreal is a possession and analytic monster that is fighting for their playoff lives. The Habs are the first Wild Card team if the season ended today but they’re also a mere two points up on the Penguins. Every game is vital and we highly doubt the Canadiens will lack intensity or energy here.

Finally, there is going to be some tailgating parties in Sunrise for this one and it’s not going to be from Panthers’ fans because there aren’t any. French Canadians flock to this region in the winter and therefore the arena will be jam packed with patrons wearing the famous jerseys of the Montreal Canadiens. For the Habs, this will have the feel of a home game and when you get that kind of support in another building, it is energizing to be sure.

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