Canadiens vs Avalanche Prediction 3/22/25 NHL Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Canadiens vs Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, March 22 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview

The Colorado Avalanche (42-25-3, 31-39 ATS) are playing their best hockey of the season as they won nine of the previous 11 games. The Avs opened their three-game road trip in Canada with a narrow loss to the Maple Leafs but responded with a comfortable 5-1 win over the Senators. After this game in Montreal, Colorado will return home for a four-game home stand. The Avalanche are 3rd in the Central Division Standings with 87 points, three behind the Stars and 13 behind the top-placed Jets.

The Avalanche average 3.33 goals per game this year (5th), while they allow 2.83 GPG (11th). Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 105 points (28 G and 77 A). Cale Makar contributes 81 points (26 G and 55 A), while Artturi Lehkonen has 42 points (27 G and 15 A).

Scott Wedgewood (11-6-1) will likely take his place in the cage for the Avs on Saturday against the Canadiens. The 32-year-old is allowing 2.41 goals per game this year with a .907 SV% and two shutouts.

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Montreal Canadiens (33-27-8, 40-28 ATS) went through their best period of the season in late February to early March when they recorded five consecutive wins. Since then, the Canadiens lost four of seven games, including the most recent one to the Islanders. Montreal is 5th in the Atlantic Division Standings with 74 points, 13 behind the leaders Panthers.

The Canadiens score 3.00 goals per game on average (13th), while they concede 3.25 GPG (25th). This season, Nick Suzuki leads the team with 71 points (21 G and 50 A). Cole Caufield has 61 points (33 G and 28 A), while Lane Hutson chips in with 53 points (5 G and 48 A).

Sam Montembeault (25-21-5) is expected to start for the Canadiens at the goal on Saturday against the Avs. The 28-year-old is allowing 2.86 goals per game this year with a .900 SV% and four shutouts.

Total Goals Facts

• Eight of the Canadiens’ last nine games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Six of the Avalanche’s last eight games as road favorites following a road win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last six games at Bell Centre.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in 21 of the Avalanche’s last 28 games against Atlantic Division opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Montreal Canadiens are one of only four teams to lose a game when leading by 3 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
• The Montreal Canadiens rank 27th in the league in save percentage this season (.887).
• The Colorado Avalanche are one of only two teams with two players to record at least 80 points this season (Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar).
• The Colorado Avalanche rank 3rd in the league for shots against per game this season (26.0).

Canadiens vs Avalanche Prediction

The Avalanche won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including five of the last eight, but the Canadiens were better in the past three meetings. This season, they met once and it was in Denver when Montreal won 2-1 after the shootout. The Avs are in better form at the moment and even though I think they are closer to the victory here, I am going to avoid betting on the winner and will go with the goals instead. Although only two of the previous ten H2H duels went Over, I am going with Over because Colorado scored 4+ goals in seven of the last ten games, while four of Montreal’s previous five games produced 6+ goals. Back Over.