The Tampa Bay Lightning claimed Game 1 in this Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Montreal Canadiens with a 2-1 win in double-overtime here at Bell Center Friday. All the pressure is now on the hosts to not go to Tampa Bay down 2-0 in the series, and I think a desperate home-team will come out ahead tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - Montreal lost Game 1 despite holding a 44-35 shot advantage and replays revealed that the winning goal came from a play that only materialized due to a missed offside call. "It's really frustrating, losing a game on an offside," Montreal coach Michel Therrien said. "Those things are not supposed to happen. I thought our players had a great effort tonight. I couldn't ask for more." I tend to agree, Montreal was the better team in that game and tonight it is more likely to reap the rewards of its hard work.

2. The Law Of Averages - Tampa Bay won each of its five regular-season games against Montreal and has now won six straight meetings. Is Tampa Bay such a bad fit for this Montreal team that it's simply unable to get a single W under its belt? I think not, it's only a matter of time before Montreal turns the tide and if anything it's due for a win soon.

3. X-Factor - The Lightning's captain Steven Stamkos left the ice without a goal once again Friday and has now gone 11 straight playoff games without finding the net.

Selection: This is a play on the Montreal Canadiens (10*)