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Canadiens vs Golden Knights Game 2 Odds and Picks – How to Bet Underdogs in Playoff Hockey

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in NHL Hockey

Updated Jun 16, 2021 · 8:36 AM PDT

scramble in front of Vegas net
Montreal Canadiens left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) and right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) try to score by Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the first period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup semifinal playoff series Monday, June 14, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
  • The Golden Knights and Canadiens play Game 2 of their NHL Playoff series on Wednesday, June 16th
  • Vegas has a 1-0 lead in the series after winning Game 1 in dominant fashion
  • Read below for the odds, picks and best value for Game 2

The Montreal Canadiens are listed as heavy underdogs to even up their third-round NHL Playoffs series with the Vegas Golden Knights. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16th at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is set for 9pm ET on NBCSN.

The Golden Knights jumped out to a 1-0 series lead after beating the Habs 4-1 in Game 1. Vegas became the favorite in the Stanley Cup odds following the big victory.

We layout the odds for Game 2 and provide betting advice.

 Canadiens vs Golden Knights Odds – Game 2

Player Moneyline Spread at DraftKings Total
Montreal Canadiens +220 +1.5 (-127) O 5 (-148)
Vegas Golden Knights -265 -1.5 (+107) U 5 (+120)

Odds as of June 15th

Vegas Dominated Game 1

The Golden Knights have taken a 1-0 series lead over Montreal after winning Game 1 in convincing fashion. Defenseman Shea Theodore had a goal and an assist to help lead his team to a 4-1 victory. Marc-Andre Fleury made 28 saves, while Alec Martinez, Mattias Janmark and Nick Holden also found the back of the net.

Vegas has now won five straight games and have covered the spread in five consecutive contests at T-Mobile Arena. The Fortress was electric in Game 1, as Vegas announced a sellout of 17,884 fans (102.9% capacity). This was Montreal’s first time playing in a packed American stadium since March 7th, 2020.

The Golden Knights are very hard to bet against in their own arena. Vegas went 25-1-2 at home during the regular season and haven’t lost a game at T-Mobile Arena since Game 5 of the first round against Minnesota.

Canadiens vs Golden Knights Series Odds

Team Odds at DraftKings
Montreal Canadiens +650
Vegas Golden Knights -1000

Caufield, Price Positives for Habs 

Oddsmakers aren’t giving Montreal much of a chance in this series, but there were some positives for Dominique Ducharme’s club in Game 1. Rookie Cole Caufield scored his first career NHL playoff goal in the loss, while Carey Price kept Montreal in the game with some sensational saves. The Habs controlled the play in the opening period, but couldn’t solve Fleury.

When it comes to betting underdogs in playoff hockey, there’s value to be found even if you don’t think the team is going to win. The Habs are listed at +150 to score the first goal in Game 2. Monday’s loss marked only the third time this postseason the Habs have failed to score the first goal. They’ll be hungry to even the series in Game 2 and are solid value to score first.

Montreal’s penalty kill was also a positive in Game 1 as they kept Vegas’ power play off the scoresheet on four opportunities. This is a critical matchup going forward, as the Habs lead the postseason in penalty kill percentage (91.4%), while Vegas is struggling with the man advantage (12.5%).

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Jeff Petry Update 

If Montreal is going to have a chance of coming back in this series, they’ll need their best defenseman. Jeff Petry skated at practice Tuesday and will reportedly participate in the morning skate Wednesday. Ducharme said he’ll see how things progress, but is confident Petry will be back soon.

Petry’s absence was very evident in Game 1. The veteran rearguard typically forms a solid defense pair with Joel Edmundson, but his injury has forced Brett Kulak to take his spot. Vegas has four capable scoring lines and they exploited Montreal’s weaker defense pairs in Game 1.

Game 2 Best Bet 

Montreal started strong in Game 1, but we saw over the final 40 minutes why the Golden Knights are such heavy favorites to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas has a very balanced offense and lead the postseason with eight goals scored by defensemen. Not to mention, Fleury has stopped 103 of the last 110 shots he’s faced (.937 SV%).

The positives Montreal showed in Game 1 simply aren’t enough to bet against this Vegas powerhouse on home ice in Game 2. The Golden Knights aren’t just beating teams at the Fortress, they’re winning in convincing fashion. Back Vegas to build off their Game 1 performance and continue their trend of cashing the puckline on home ice.

Pick: Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 (+107), Canadiens to Score First (+150)

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