In this article, we will formulate a Canadiens vs Panthers prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, April 1, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers (44-26-3, 31-42 ATS) spent the previous three games at home, where they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins and Utah Hockey Club, while they lost to the Montreal Canadiens. Florida will now spend the next four games on the road. The Panthers are 3rd in the Atlantic Division Standings with 91 points, the same as the Lightning and three behind the Maple Leafs.
The Panthers average 3.12 goals per game this year (12th), while they allow 2.71 GPG (9th). Sam Reinhart leads the team with 76 points (36 G and 40 A). Aleksander Barkov contributes 67 points (19 G and 48 A), while Matthew Tkachuk has 57 points (22 G and 35 A).
Sergei Bobrovsky (31-16-2) will likely take his place in the cage for the Panthers on Tuesday against the Canadiens. The 36-year-old is allowing 2.44 goals per game this year with a .906 SV% and five shutouts.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens (34-30-9, 42-31 ATS) were on a five-game losing skid but managed to avoid the sixth consecutive loss with a 4-2 win over the Panthers. Montreal returned home from a four-game road trip and now will play the next three games at home. The Canadiens are 5th in the Atlantic Division Standings with 77 points, 17 behind the Maple Leafs.
The Canadiens score 2.99 goals per game on average (15th), while they concede 3.33 GPG (26th). This season, Nick Suzuki leads the team with 77 points (23 G and 54 A). Cole Caufield has 63 points (34 G and 95 A), while Lane Hutson chips in with 59 points (5 G and 54 A).
Sam Montembeault (26-23-6) is expected to start for the Canadiens at the goal on Tuesday against the Panthers. The 28-year-old is allowing 2.91 goals per game this year with a .899 SV% and four shutouts.
Total Goals Facts
- Five of the Panthers’ last six games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Five of the Canadiens’ last six night games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last seven home games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in four of the Panthers’ last five games as favorites against the Canadiens.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Montreal Canadiens are one of only three teams with two players to record at least 50 assists this season (Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson).
- 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 Florida Panthers rank 3rd in the league in penalty minutes this season (722).
- The Florida Panthers rank 4th in the league for shots against per game this season (26.4).
Canadiens vs Panthers Prediction
The Panthers won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Canadiens were better in the last four, including all three meetings this season. The Habs are fighting for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and will be highly motivated to get two points here, while the Panthers will be desperate to avoid the season sweep. Five of Montreal’s last seven home games produced 7+ goals, and I expect to see at least seven here as well. This season, Florida scored just three goals in three games against Montreal. I am backing the Panthers to score a minimum of three on Tuesday. Go with Over.