Montreal Canadiens (17-17-3) vs. Colorado Avalanche (24-15)
January 4, 2025 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Colorado Avalanche -333 / Montreal Canadiens +255; Over/Under: +6.5
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In this article, we will formulate a Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, January 4th at the Ball Arena. Let’s take a look at an Avalanche vs Canadiens Pick.
Canadiens on Tired Legs
The Canadiens are going to be on tired legs after a game on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. On Tuesday the Canadiens faced off against the Vegas Golden Knights and they ended up winning 3-2. At the end of the first period, they were down 2-0, but in the third period they scored two goals and that was enough for the victory. Sam Montembault was in goal and saved 27 of the 29 shots that he faced. He was a bit shaky in the first period but as the game went on he played a whole lot better. Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach, and Emil Heineman all scored a goal to pace the team. Two games ago against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Canadiens were able to secure a 5-2 victory.
The Canadiens are averaging 3.03 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.41 goals per game. The offense is ranked 18th in the league while the defense is ranked 28th. They are shooting 12.08 percent which is 5th best in the league. This is a team that just needs to try and create more shots on goal. On tired legs it’s going to be important that the offense gets out to a fast start.
Avalanche Coming off Overtime Win
The Avalanche have confidence heading into this game and they were able to pick up an overtime win here. The Canadiens faced off against the Buffalo Sabres and they were able to secure a 6-5 victory in overtime. Nathan MacKinnon had a strong game finishing with three assists. Devon Toews had a strong game also scoring a goal and adding an assist. Scott Wedgwood was not great and he saved 14 of the 18 shots that he faced. Two games ago, against the Winnipeg Jets, they were able to secure a 5-2 victory. The Avalanche are averaging 3.46 goals while their defense is giving up 3.28 goals per game. The offense is ranked 5th in the league while the defense is ranked 25th. Nick Suzuki has scored 11 goals and added 26 assists so far this season.
Getting the start for the Avalanche is expected to be Mackenzie Blackwood, and he sits with a 12-10-3 record overall and a save percentage of 91.6 percent.
Colorado Avalanche vs Monreal Canadiens Prediction
Give me the Avalanche here. They might be coming off an overtime win in the last game, but this game is going to be easier. The Canadiens are going to be on tired legs after their game on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Canadiens are averaging 3.46 goals per game, and they are going to have no issue getting the job done in this game. The Canadiens are going to struggle to score even two goals, and it’s going to be the Avalanche that will cruise. Back the Avalance on the puck line.
