Who would have thought this just a few years ago: Montreal (Original Six team) vs. Vegas (team without a name or arena five years ago) in a semifinal series to play on for the Stanley Cup? This series, Vegas vs Montreal, is a reality, however.

Both teams had to endure some hardships to get here, but here they are. Montreal was seen as an afterthought in the East. Vegas was viewed as a pretty big underdog early in the last round against Colorado but survived, and it is the NHL betting favorite here to advance with the top sportsbooks.

Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Series Odds

Odds via DraftKings and current as of publication.

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Golden Knights vs Canadiens Series Betting Tips

First thing I would do as a bettor in this series is check out the Over-Under bets, and take the under most nights. Montreal can’t score many goals, with its top two lines bereft of A-list talent.

Vegas has more offensive firepower, but the Golden Knights don’t like to play back-and-forth hockey. I expect most games in this series to be fairly low-scoring.

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I’d take a close look at Max Pacioretty as a prop goal scorer in this series. Pacioretty will be highly motivated to show Montreal made a mistake in letting him walk a couple of years ago. I do believe Montreal’s Brendan Gallagher will have a strong series as well. I would look at him seriously on goal-scoring prop bets.

I would pay close attention to first-period totals bets for this series, too. Montreal places a lot of value on quick starts. And that means the same to Vegas - Carey Price, like the great baseball pitcher: You’ve got to get to him early. Otherwise, he gets tougher as the game moves along.

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Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Series Pick

This is a strange series, on its face. You have an Original Six team playing against a team that is only four years old. Yet, I guess that’s what makes the NHL more interesting nowadays.

Montreal hasn’t yet faced a team with the kind of depth and talent of Vegas. Yet, Vegas hasn’t played a team like Montreal all season long. I think this is going to be a series that starts off a bit slow, but gets better as it goes along.

Vegas disposed of Colorado in six games, thanks to relentless forechecking and strong two-way play from its defense, led by Alex Pietrangelo. I do think this is where Vegas has an edge on Montreal - the blueline. Guys such as Pietrangelo, Alec Martinez and Shea Theodore make for a very good top three on D.

Montreal has a very hot goalie in veteran Price, so he is the top reason why I give Montreal a fighter’s chance in this series, to go on and play for the Stanley Cup.

But I just think Vegas is the better team and will find a way to win the series. Marc-Andre Fleury, a native of the Montreal area, is going to be in his element. I’m going to take the Golden Knights in six games at +385 with DraftKings . (Check out our DraftKings sportsbook review).

Golden Knights Vs Canadiens Series Schedule, TV

Game 1: Monday, June 14, 9 p.m. ET (NBC Sports)

Game 2: Wednesday, June 16, 9 p.m. ET (NBC Sports)

Game 3: Friday, June 18, 8 p.m. ET (USA)

Game 4: Sunday, June 20, 8 p.m. ET (NBC Sports)

Game 5 (if necessary): Tuesday, June 22, 9 p.m. ET (NBC Sports)

Game 6 (if necessary): Thursday, June 24, 8 p.m. ET (USA)

Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, June 26, 8 p.m. ET (NBC Sports)