Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators
Free Pick: Ottawa -180 odds
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Normally I rarely recommend a favorite of this size, but “sometimes a favorite is a favorite for a reason”, as I expect the Senators to demolish the Habs and believe the “reward” well outweighs the “risk” in this situation:

Montreal has dropped five of seven overall and scored once during a two-game trip to Florida, losing 2-1 to the Panthers on Tuesday and 3-0 to Tampa Bay on Wednesday; it’s a horrible 1-4 its last five on the road.

On the other side of the rink: Ottawa has outscored opponents 27-8 during an eight-game winning streak that matches its run from Oct. 13-Nov. 6, 2007, as the best in franchise history. Those opponents haven’t been slouches, either. Two days after a 3-1 win over Atlantic Division-leading New Jersey, the Senators won 4-1 at defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Ottawa is 5-0 its last five and 14-5 its last 19 at home.

Bottom line: Two teams moving in opposite directions; when taking all of the above into account, laying the price with the home team is the prudent wager.

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