Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction 11-2-24 NHL Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, November 2nd at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins are 4-7-1 this season after they defeated Anaheim in overtime by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Pittsburgh trailed 1-0 in the third period, but they tied the game up and won it in overtime. The Penguins outshot Anaheim by a total of 45-23, won 54.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got both of their goals from Crosby, while Nedeljkovic stopped 22 out of 23 shots in the victory. 

Prior to that game, the Penguins lost six games against the Wild, Canucks, Oilers, Flames, Jets, and Hurricanes. Pittsburgh has scored 2.92 goals per game and they have allowed 4.00 goals against per game, while also going 20.6% on the power play and 85.7% on the penalty kill this season. Evgeni Malkin has led Pittsburgh with three goals, 11 assists, and 25 shots on goal, while Alex Nedeljkovic is 1-2-1 with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage this year. 

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Montreal Canadiens are 4-6-1 this year after they lost to Washington by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Montreal led 2-1 in the second period and they were tied at three in the third, but they allowed the last three goals in the loss. The Canadiens were outshot by a total of 34-15, won 61% of the face-offs, and went 1-6 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Caufield, Gallagher, and Suzuki, while Primeau stopped 28 out of 34 shots in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Canadiens lost to Seattle by a score of 8-2 but did beat Philadelphia and St. Louis before that. Montreal has scored 2.91 goals per game and they have allowed 4.18 goals against per game, while also going 22% on the power play and 83.3% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with four goals, nine assists, and 27 shots on goal, while Sam Montembeault is 3-4-0 with a 3.67 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage. 

Why the Penguins will beat the Canadiens

• The favorites have won each of the Penguins’ last 10 games.
• The Canadiens have lost 13 of their last 14 road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Penguins have covered the puck line in three of their last four games as favorites after coming off overtime.
• The Penguins have won the second period in each of their last six games as favorites following an overtime win.

Why the Canadiens will beat the Penguins

• The Penguins have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a home win.
• The Canadiens have won 10 of their last 18 games as underdogs against the Penguins.
• The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last seven games as favorites following a home win.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine road games following a road loss.
• The Penguins have lost the second period in five of their last six games at PPG Paints Arena following a home win.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Canadiens’ last six games has gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Penguins’ last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents has gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 12 games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last 11 games against Atlantic Division opponents.

Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts

• Bryan Rust has recorded at least one point in each of his last eight appearances with the Penguins as home favorites.
• Drew O’Connor has scored a goal in seven of his last eight appearances with the Penguins as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one assist in each of the Penguins’ last six games against the Canadiens at PPG Paints Arena.

Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts

• Cole Caufield has scored at least one goal in seven of the Canadiens’ last eight road games.
• Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Mike Matheson has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Canadiens’ last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction 

Pittsburgh was able to snap their losing streak with an overtime win against the Ducks in their last game, but they have really struggled to start this season. The Penguins are 2-3-0 at home this year, while the Canadiens are 1-2-1 on the road. Montreal has allowed 14 goals in their last two games and defense/goaltending is a major issue. Neither team has been strong in their own zone, so I think we will see plenty of scoring chances. Take the over here.