Posted at 11:00 AM EST. Odds are subject to change.

Montreal +110 over Buffalo

NHL Playoff Series Game 1

7:00 PM EST. This series prices out like a coin flip, yet we’re getting plus money on Montreal Canadiens in Game 1. That’s enough to get our attention right away. When two teams are this close, the value sits with the dog, especially early in the series before anything has settled.

Montreal didn’t dominate Tampa in the previous round, but they found a way through. That counts. More importantly, they’re getting strong goaltending from Jakub Dobes, and in this sport, that changes everything. A hot goalie can carry a team through stretches where they’re not at their best, and Montreal is riding that right now.

Buffalo Sabres handled Boston, but that series came with some red flags. The power play struggled badly, and that’s not something you just fix overnight. Over a longer series, failing to convert with the man advantage becomes a real problem, especially against a team that can capitalize on small openings.

Buffalo goalie Alex Lyon played well v tthe Bruins but this isn’t a team that consistently controls play. Even in its hot second half, Buffalo's possession numbers weren’t that strong (ranking 16th out of 32 teams in puck possession time in the offensive end during 5 on 5 play) That leaves less margin when games tighten up.

This matchup doesn’t have a clear edge. Both teams are capable, both teams have flaws, and most games are likely to be decided by one bounce either way. That’s exactly the type of setup where plus money carries weight.

You’re getting a live underdog with a goalie in form in what should be a tight game. That’s the bet.

Take advantage of BET365's early NFL payout offer

Bet365 Early Payout – How It Works

Straight Bets:

If the team you back to win goes up by the designated number of points at any time during the game, BET365 will pay out your bet in full immediately, even if the opposing team later comes back and wins the game.

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