Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Odds & Pick: December 1st 2009

Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Free NHL Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs (+125 NHL odds)
Tue December 1st 2009 7:35p
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Tuesday night hosts a storied rival match between two teams currently occupying the Northeast division cellar. The 12-12-0-2 Canadiens are on a 2 game losing streak and are 2-3 last 5. The 6-11-5-2 Leafs had a 2 game win streak snapped by there Highway rivals the Buffalo Sabres last night. The Leafs who outshot the speedy Sabres 37-30 were shut-out 3-0 and now go into Montreal 7-19 LT26 on zero days rest and 17-36 LT53. Head to head Toronto has lost 2 straight in Overtime and are 0-3 LT3 and 4-6 LT10. Montreal has struggled lately and mainly due to injuries to many core players on both ends of the ice. Forwards B.Gionta, S.Gomez and M.D’Agostini are all on the shelf and on D big tough penalty killing specialist Hal Gill and there #1 defenseman A.Markov. In goal Montreal has received solid goaltending with both keepers sporting below 3.00GAA and 0.909 Save %.

In tonight’s match-up I see tremendous value in the underdog despite every trend pointing to Montreal. Toronto in there last 5 games have averaged 40 shots on goal with there constant fore- check and pressure. The relentless skating and speed has allowed the Leafs to play open creating a variety of scoring opportunities. Their power play is hitting at a very respectful 22.9% and there PK has started to improve. In goal look for veteran back-up MacDonald to give rookie net minder Jonas Gustavsson a rest and the leafs a enthusiastic performance.

With Montreal missing many key players that play a 2 way game I see no threat for the Canadiens in either end. Montreal looking to stop the bleeding will play conservative and attack in the neutral zone to try and slow down the Leafs. Toronto can win this game with a physical presence as the Canadiens can be overwhelmed easily from the body. It should be noted that Toronto will not see Montreal’s enforcer G.Laraque as he is serving a suspension, I really see Toronto playing a strong game on both ends attacking with there strengths that Montreal cannot stop with there current roster situation. For Montreal to win they will need a huge performance from goaltender C.Price who will be see 35+ shots on goal.

If history holds true we have a tremendous game that should end in dramatic fashion.

NHL Free Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs