Gerry Broome/Associated PressOn Wednesday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning seized a 2-0 series lead and defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 in the Stanley Cup Final. Game 2 was not as close to Game 1 and it felt closer in many ways.Game 1 saw a high volume attack by Tampa Bay and some wild shots from the Lightning in traffic, two of which were scored after deflections. This was in line with Tampa Bay's strategy of creating chaos in front of Carey Price, Montreal's goaltender.According to the Associated Press, Lightning center Steven Stamkos stated that he has a game plan and a recipe. "And if you go out there, you'll get rewarded if your actions are right."The Lighting were less successful creating scoring opportunities in Game 2 and were outshot by 43 to 23. The Lighting were unable to seize scoring opportunities in the final period of the second period. Before Blake Coleman's dive buzzer-beater at end of second, the game was locked up.The Lightning won the final period with the momentum created by Coleman's goal. Montreal performed better overall but the Canadiens must capitalize on their scoring opportunities to win Game 3.According to The Athletic's Arpon Basu, Luke Richardson, assistant coach for the Canadiens, stated that "we're going get better and we're gonna find our offence, and we will start scoring some goals, and that'll give me some confidence that way."For the next two games, the series will shift to Montreal.Rest of 2021 Stanley Cup Final Schedule (TB Leads: 2-0).All times EasternGame 3: Lightning at Canadiens Friday, July 2, at 8 p.m. (NBC).Game 4: Lightning at Canadiens Monday, July 5th, at 8 p.m. (NBC).Game 5: Canadiens vs Lightning, Wednesday July 7, 2008 at 8 p.m. (NBC).Game 6: Lightning at Canadiens Friday, July 9, at 8 p.m. (NBC).Game 7: Canadiens vs Lightning, Sunday, July 11, at 7 p.m. (NBC).Chances of winning series (via DraftKings: Tampa Bay -1250 and Montreal +800The Canadiens have home-ice advantage for two of the next games so there is a chance they can at least win the series in Tampa. Apart from making shots on goal, the key is getting ahead and playing the aggressor.Richardson stated, per Basu, that "this team plays well with their lead." "We have to play with the lead and try to turn the tables and get the first goal next time we play.Montreal was on defense for the majority of Game 1 and Game 2 was similar, with Coleman's momentum shifter. It is worth noting that both of the Canadiens goals in this series came from the blue line.Montreal has struggled to get to the net, and this will have to change if they want to challenge Andrei Vasilevskiy.Vasilevskiy saved 42 times on Wednesday and his brilliant play helped the Lighting to survive an early stretch in which Montreal seemed to be in control.According to Mike Brehm, Lightning coach Jon Cooper, "There were peaks, valleys, and (Vasilevskiy), stood tall when it was down." USA Today's Mike Brehm reported.The Canadiens will be putting Vasilevskiy to the test in the two remaining games. Because pure shot volume won't win this series, they'll have to. Montreal's defense was strong enough in Game 2Tampa did not score until six minutes and 40 seconds into the second period, but one goal is seldom enough to defeat the Lightning.Tampa was shut down for the last time on May 1, well before the start of the postseason.Montreal's good news is that they performed better in Game 2 and can take some moral momentum with them back home. They know they can keep the scoring low, and with a few more high percentage shots, they can beat their defending champions.Montreal will rebound in Game 3. They will score early and keep the pressure on throughout all three periods. It is still to be seen if the Canadiens will maintain the momentum for long enough to win the series.Prediction: Montreal wins next one 3-2. Lighting wins the series in six.You can reach crisis counseling and referral services by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1 800 426-2537).Gambling problems? 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9–WITH-IT(IN), 1-800-522-4700, 1-800-BETS OFF? (IA), 1-800-522-4700 or text the TNREDLINE: 800889-9789 (TN).21+ NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN Meadows Racetrack & Casino in partnership There are some restrictions on eligibility. For more information, please visit draftkings.com/sportsbook
