Monday Playoff Picks

[Raji]

Boston at Montreal (-200, 5)



This is exactly what Habs critics were worried about: a pressure cooker, must-win game while their special teams and rookie goaltender are struggling.



Right now, Montreal is just hoping that it can’t get any worse after suffering another late collapse on Saturday, while Boston is rolling on momentum. Home ice is obviously a huge deal in Game 7, but the pressure of playing for the Canadiens in Montreal is tough enough to handle in November, let alone a series-deciding tilt in April. The Habs’ confidence is already shaken and a poor start to tonight’s game could sink them with Boston just itching to clog the neutral zone with an early lead.



Plus, the Bruins are coming into this game loose since nobody expected them to crawl back after falling behind 3-1 in the series. They don’t have nearly as much to lose in this situation as Montreal does.



Expect a tentative start to this one as both teams look to avoid season-ending mistakes.



Pick: under 5



Washington at Philadelphia (-135, 5 ½)



The Capitals have put up a good fight and it was nice to see some excitement about hockey in D.C., but the end of the line is looming for Washington.



The Flyers were outmatched on the road in Game 5, but they’re a better playoff team top-to-bottom than the Caps and will come out banging in front of their home crowd tonight.



"I think a lot of guys [felt] we let them back in the series,” Flyers assistant coach Rick Tocchet told reporters after Game 5. “And that is the one game we all wish we could have back."



Philadelphia will make amends tonight.



Pick: Flyers -135

Raji