In this article we will formulate a Blackhawks vs Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, October 11th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks are 0-1-1 this year after they lost to Boston in overtime by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Chicago led 2-1 in the second period, but needed a goal in the third to tie, before losing in overtime. The Blackhawks were out shot by a total of 33-24, won 41.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Chicago also recorded 15 hits and six blocked shots in the loss. The Blackhawks got goals from Bedard, Burakovsky, and Crevier, while Dach led the team with six hits. Chicago started Soderblom in net, who stopped 29 out of 33 shots, which was an .879 save percentage.
Chicago started their season with a 3-2 loss to Florida on opening night, where they were severely outshot. The Blackhawks are averaging 2.50 goals per game and they are allowing 3.50 goals against per game, while also averaging 0% on the power play and 71.4% on the penalty kill this season. Frank Nazar has led Chicago with one goal and two assists, while four others are tied with four points on the year. Spencer Knight is 0-1-0 with a 3.05 goals against average and a .919 save percentage this year.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens are 1-1-0 this season after they defeated Detroit by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Montreal trailed 1-0 early in the game, but they scored the last five goals to run away with an easy win. The Canadiens were out shot by a total of 31-17, won 42.5% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Montreal also recorded 25 hits and 14 blocked shots in the contest. The Canadiens got goals from Bolduc, Kapanen, Slafkovsky, Carrier, and Matheson, while Guhle led the team with five hits. Montreal started Dobes, who stopped 30 out of 31 shots for a .968 save percentage.
Montreal started the season with a 5-2 loss to Toronto on Wednesday night. The Canadiens are averaging 3.50 goals per game and they are allowing 3.00 goals against per game, while they are also averaging 20% on the power play and 83.3% on the penalty kill this season. Brendan Gallagher has led Montreal with three assists, while four others have two points so far this year. The projected starting goalie is Sam Montembeault, who is 0-1-0 with a 3.07 goals against average and an .880 save percentage this season.
Why the Montreal Canadiens will win
- The Blackhawks have lost six of their last seven night games at United Center.
- The Canadiens have won five of their last six games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The road team has covered the puck line in 13 of the last 15 games between the Canadiens and Blackhawks.
- The Blackhawks have lost the third period in eight of their last nine games against Atlantic Division opponents when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Six of the Blackhawks’ last seven games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Three of the Canadiens’ last four games against Central Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in eight of the Canadiens’ last nine road games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last five games.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Teuvo Teravainen has recorded at least one point in each of his last six appearances with his team as an underdog against the Canadiens.
- Teuvo Teravainen has recorded an assist in each of his last six appearances with his team as an underdog against the Canadiens.
- Frank Nazar has scored a goal in four of the Blackhawks’ last five games.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Cole Caufield has scored a goal in five of the Canadiens’ last six games as road favorites.
- Cole Caufield has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last seven road games against Central Division opponents.
- Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one assist in nine of the Canadiens’ last 10 games as favorites.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank T25th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (71.43%).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank T1st in the league for power play goals against this season (1).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
Blackhawks vs Canadiens Prediction
Montreal was able to bounce back from their first loss with a strong effort against Detroit, but they will continue their road trip here. Chicago has lost their first two games, but they have done a good job of keeping both games close. The Blackhawks are not a very talented team in my opinion and I think scoring is going to be a big issue for them. I really like how this Montreal team is set up and I think they are going to have a huge season. Take the Canadiens to win.