2021 Stanley Cup Final Predictions: Can Montreal Still Win the Trophy?

By: Eniko

Posted: July 5, 2021

Updated: July 5, 2021

2021 Stanley Cup final has started on the 28th of June
Defending champions Tampa Bay Lightning lead 2-0 against Montreal
The series continues with two games in Canada

The Tampa Bay Lightning are leading 2-0 in the Stanley Cup final against the Montreal Canadiens but the series continues in Canada now. Where the surprise team of the season can try to get back and fight for their 25th NHL title. But the 2021 Stanley Cup final predictions favor the defending champions to win the next game as well. The 2021 NHL season is getting to its climax with the Stanley Cup final which began on the 28th of June. Last year’s champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens are playing in the best-of-seven series. Tampa Bay are leading 2-0 after winning the first two games at home. Now teams move to Canada for the next two matches where Montreal will try to get back to the series. Both teams have lots of experience of playing in the final even though Montreal had its last appearance in 1993. But they are still the most successful franchise with 24 Stanley Cup championships. Their best result in more recent years was getting to the Conference Finals in 2014. While Tampa Bay have only won the title twice so far, in 2004 and 2020.

2021 Stanley Cup final predictions expect close games

Online sportsbooks in the US slightly favor the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the third game in Montreal. The team is already leading 2-0 in the series after winning 5-1 and 3-1 the first two games at Amalie Arena. Now they are highly favored to win the title again in spite of a less convincing start of their season. As the Lightning finished only in third place in the Central Division in the regular season. But the defending champions easily beat the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs.

While they also won against the New York Islanders in the semi-final in a much more difficult tie. But after getting the crucial 7th victory, Tampa Bay got to the final for the fifth time in their history. Where Jon Cooper’s men have been confident in both games so far. They have the odds of -131.00 to continue their winning streak in the 2021 Stanley Cup final predictions. Thanks to their great players like top goal scorers Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos. In addition they also have the best goalkeeper of the league, Andrei Vasilevskiy. Who can win the Vezina Trophy, the award for the best goaltender of the season for the second time.

Montreal’s chances

We shouldn’t totally write off the other finalist, the Montreal Canadiens either. As they are the most successful team in NHL history with 24 Stanley Cup wins. Though the club’s latest victory is from 1993, this season they can get the trophy again. Montreal were not outstanding in the regular season after finishing 4th in the North Division. But played well in the playoffs and knocked out the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Winnipeg Jets and the Vegas Golden Knights. Now the last Canadian Stanley Cup winner must perform even better to beat the champions. Online gambling sites in the US offer the odds of +119 for their victory in the third game which could give some hope for their fans. The team will play on home soil the next two matches before returning back to Florida. The Canadiens goalkeeper, Carey Price is a great player and his saves can be crucial in a win. Just like the goals of Cole Caulfield who has four goals and five assists in the playoffs. He has been one of their most dangerous players. Along with Nick Suzuki who scored their only goal in the previous game. He will need to score more though to keep his team’s chances alive. Unless the Lightning will be the champions again.