The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning will take to the ice tonight in Game 3 of their NHL Playoffs series. The game is scheduled for an 7:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on USA. Currently the betting odds for the game have the Lightning favored to take a commanding series lead with a win.

The Tampa Bay Lightning weren't the best team on the road this season, but somehow found a way to pick up consecutive victories in Canada to open this series. The Lightning now find themselves in a very good position, with the Canadiens needed to at least split in Tampa Bay or their season is over. The Lightning were the best team in the NHL while playing at home this season and now have to avoid getting swept to lose that home-ice advantage. Even a loss tonight wouldn't damage them enough with a fourth game coming up Friday.

Montreal finds itself on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Habs led Tampa Bay 2-0 last year and wound up sweeping them in the playoffs, but they are hoping the history doesn't come back against them now. To make it worse, the Canadiens haven't picked up a win against Tampa Bay all season, dropping all five matchups during the regular season as well.

The Canadiens lost their last three home games in these playoffs, dropping the last two in the opening round to Ottawa. They did, though, win two of the last three games on the road and somehow have to channel that type of effort again tonight.

Carey Price gave up six goals to the Lightning last game. Anywhere close to a repeat performance would be devastating to the Canadiens. Montreal brings a bigtime effort tonight and they find a way to get back in the series. Price is going to have to lead that charge.

Free Pick: Montreal

 MLB Free Picks: Yankees vs Blue Jays

What pro baseball bettors need to know about betting New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday (5/06/15) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Teddy Covers with added insight from Steve Fezzik.

$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!