The Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes meet Thursday in NHL action at the Mullett Arena. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview 

The Montreal Canadiens look for a win after winning 4 of their last 6 games. The Montreal Canadiens have lost 2 of their first 3 road games. The Montreal Canadiens are averaging 3 goals per game and are scoring on 20 percent of their power play opportunities. Sean Monahan leads Montreal with 5 goals, Cole Caufield has 6 assists and Mike Matheson has 25 shots on goal. Defensively, the Montreal Canadiens are allowing 3.11 goals per game and are killing 75 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jake Allen has given up 11 goals on 157 shots faced, and Sam Montembeault has allowed 12 goals on 126 shots.

Montreal Canadiens Team Facts

• The Canadiens have lost seven of their last eight games after coming off a shootout.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last four games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
• The Canadiens have won the second period in five of their last six games following a shootout loss.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last eight games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.

Arizona Coyotes Betting Preview 

The Arizona Coyotes need a win after losing 3 of their last 4 games. The Coyotes have won 2 of their first 3 home games. The Arizona Coyotes are averaging 3.33 goals per game and are scoring on 23.7 percent of their power play opportunities. Clayton Keller leads Arizona with 4 goals, Nick Schmaltz has 6 assists and Barrett Hayton has 25 shots on goal. Defensively, the Arizona Coyotes are allowing 2.78 goals per game and are killing 71 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Karel Vejmelka has given up 16 goals on 191 shots faced, and Connor Ingram has allowed 8 goals on 93 shots.

Arizona Coyotes Team Facts

• The favorites have won each of the Coyotes’ last 11 games at Mullett Arena.
• The Coyotes have failed to cover the puck line in 10 of their last 11 games as favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Coyotes’ last four games.
• The Coyotes have won the second period in each of their last six games as favorites.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Arizona Coyotes ranks 29th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (70.97%).
• The Arizona Coyotes ranks 7th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.78).
• The Montreal Canadiens ranks 31st in the league for power play goals against this season (11).
• The Montreal Canadiens ranks 30th in the league for shots against per game this season (35.2).

Randy’s Pick

The Arizona Coyotes are getting the benefit of the doubt because they’re at home, but it’s the Habs who enter this game in better form. The Montreal Canadiens are simply playing the better hockey right now, and there’s always going to be value with getting the cheaper price with the team in better form. The Coyotes have been on the wrong end of some tough games, and they need to change that before bettors can back them with confidence. Give me the Habs on the road.