Montreal Canadiens (17-17-3) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (12-24-2)
January 3, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Chicago Blackhawks +105 / Montreal Canadiens -125; Over/Under: +6.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks meet Friday in NHL action at the United Center. Here’s a Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction. This article will include a Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens Pick.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens beat the Lighting and Golden Knights, and they play the Avalanche, Canucks, and Capitals next. The Montreal Canadiens are averaging 3.03 goals per game and are scoring 21.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Cole Caufield leads Montreal with 19 goals, Nick Suzuki has 25 assists and Brendan Gallagher has 65 shots on goal. Defensively, the Montreal Canadiens are allowing 3.41 goals per game and are killing 82.7 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Cayden Primeau has given up 41 goals on 250 shots faced, and Sam Montembeault has allowed 78 goals on 794 shots.
Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Stars and Blues, and they play the Rangers, Avalanche, and Red Wings next. The Chicago Blackhawks are averaging 2.5 goals per game and are scoring 23.5 percent of their power play opportunities. Tyler Bertuzzi leads Chicago with 12 goals, Connor Bedard has 23 assists and Ryan Donato has 86 shots on goal. Defensively, the Chicago Blackhawks are allowing 3.39 goals per game and are killing 84.1 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Petr Mrazek has given up 69 goals on 642 shots faced, and Arvid Soderblom has allowed 42 goals on 451 shots.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens Injury Report
The Blackhawks will be without Laurent Brossoit, Artyom Levshunov, and Alec Martinez. Connor Murphy is questionable for the Blackhawks due to a groin issue.
The only injury for the Montreal Canadiens is David Reinbacher, as he’s out for another month due to a knee injury.
Why the Montreal Canadiens will win
- The Blackhawks have lost 12 of their last 13 night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have won each of their last four games against the Blackhawks.
- The road team has covered the puck line in 12 of the last 13 games between the Canadiens and Blackhawks.
- The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Blackhawks have lost the third period in each of their last seven games at United Center against opponents on a winning streak.
Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts
- Teuvo Teravainen has recorded at least one point in nine of the Blackhawks’ last 10 games at United Center.
- Teuvo Teravainen has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blackhawks’ last five games at United Center.
- Ilya Mikheyev has scored at least one goal in three of the Blackhawks’ last four games at United Center.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Cole Caufield has recorded at least one assist in six of the Canadiens’ last seven games as favorites.
- Jake Evans has scored a goal in each of the Canadiens’ last four night games.
- Cole Caufield has recorded at least one point in 13 of his last 14 appearances with the Canadiens as favorites.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 31st in the league for goals per game this season (2.50).
- The Chicago Blackhawks rank 4th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (84.07%).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 27th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.41).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 8th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.68%).
Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction
I’m surprised this line is where it’s at. The Chicago Blackhawks are arguably the worst team in the NHL, with an offense that still can’t score. The Habs have won 7 of their last 10 games, easily their best stretch of the season. The Blackhawks and Canadiens are two teas heading in different directions. Also, the Canadiens have won 4 straight games against the Blackhawks and have outscored them 15-6 during that streak. You can make a strong argument this line should be a bit steeper in favor of the road team. Give me the Canadiens and the cheap price.
