In this article, we will formulate a Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville Predators prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, December 5th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens are 9-13-3 this year after they defeated the Islanders in overtime by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Montreal allowed the Islanders to tie the game in the second period, but they won on an overtime goal from Suzuki. The Canadiens were outshot by a total of 31-27, won 55.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Laine and Suzuki, while Montembeault stopped 30 out of 31 shots in the win.
Prior to that victory, the Canadiens lost to the Bruins by a score of 6-3 and the Rangers by a score of 4-3. Montreal has scored 2.80 goals per game and they have allowed 3.72 goals against per game, while also averaging 21.5% on the power play and 82.6% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with 10 goals, 16 assists, and 56 shots on goal, while Sam Montembeault is 7-10-2 with a 2.99 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage this year.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 7-13-6 this season after they lost to Toronto by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Nashville led 1-0 in the third period, but they allowed three straight goals in the third for the loss. The Predators were outshot by a total of 28-24, won 57.1% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Nashville got goals from Jankowski and Marchessault, while Saros stopped 25 out of 28 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Predators lost four in a row against the Wild, Lightning, Flyers, and Devils. Nashville has scored 2.32 goals per game and they have allowed 3.16 goals against per game, while also going 20.8% on the power play and 89% on the penalty kill this season. Roman Josi has led Nashville with seven goals, 16 assists, and 85 shots on goal, while Justus Annunen will be making his first appearance for Nashville after being traded from Colorado.
Why the Predators will beat the Canadiens
- The Canadiens have lost each of their last seven games following an overtime win.
- The Predators have won 10 of their last 11 games as favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The road team has covered the puck line in each of the Predators’ last four games.
- The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games as home underdogs following a win.
- The Canadiens have lost the third period in eight of their last 10 night games after coming off overtime.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Predators’ last six games as road favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Canadiens’ last eight games after coming off overtime have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Eight of the last nine Thursday night games between teams from different conferences have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 12 games following a win.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last seven games as favorites against the Canadiens.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Patrik Laine has scored a goal in four of his last five appearances in night games.
- Patrik Laine has recorded a point in each of his last six appearances in home games.
- Lane Hutson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last four games against opponents who are playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Steven Stamkos has recorded at least one point in each of his last six appearances with his team as a favorite against the Canadiens.
- Roman Josi has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Predators’ last eight games against the Canadiens.
- Roman Josi has scored at least one goal in four of the Predators’ last five games as favorites.
- Roman Josi has scored the first goal in each of the Predators’ last three games as favorites.
Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville Predators Prediction
Nashville comes into this matchup on a five-game losing streak and they have scored exactly two goals in all five losses. The Predators are 2-7-4 on the road, while the Canadiens are 6-5-2 at home this year. Montreal is coming off of a win against the Islanders in their last game, but they are allowing nearly four goals per game this year. I really don’t like either of these teams in this matchup, especially with the Predators on a back-to-back, but I can’t back this Montreal defense. Take the Preds here.