The Montreal Canadiens need a win after losing 6 of their last 9 games. The Pittsburgh Penguins are riding a 3-game losing streak. Let’s preview this game and give out a Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins prediction.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens rebounded from losses to the Bruins and Senators with a win over the Islanders. The Montreal Canadiens are averaging 2.71 goals per game and are scoring on 19.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Cole Caufield leads Montreal with 17 goals, Nick Suzuki has 28 assists and Mike Matheson has 124 shots on goal. Defensively, the Montreal Canadiens are allowing 3.5 goals per game and are killing 73.2 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jake Allen has given up 53 goals on 531 shots faced, and Sam Montembeault has allowed 71 goals on 746 shots.
Montreal Canadiens Team Facts
- The Canadiens have won three of their last four games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have won the first period in each of their last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last seven games as underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Golden Knights, Coyotes, and Panthers during their streak. The Pittsburgh Penguins are averaging 2.98 goals per game and are scoring on 13.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh with 27 goals, Jake Guentzel has 27 assists, and Evgeni Malkin has 118 shots on goal. Defensively, the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing 2.73 goals per game and are killing 82.8 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Tristan Jarry has allowed 72 goals on 826 shots faced, and Alex Nedelijkovic has given up 37 goals on 443 shots.
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Facts
- The Penguins have lost each of their last five games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in 12 of their last 13 games as favorites following a shootout loss.
- The Penguins have lost the second period in each of their last four games after coming off a shootout.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Penguins’ last eight night games at PPG Paints Arena following a shootout loss.
Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins prediction
The Pittsburgh Penguins should be favored at home as they’re clearly the better team, but there’s value with the Habs and the plus money. The Penguins haven’t been able to finish games this week, and they’re on the end of a back to back with a game that included overtime. The Montreal Canadiens have 10 wins on the road this season, they’re coming off a nice win over the Islanders, and they’ve won 6 of the last 10 meetings against the Penguins. There’s been success in these matchups. We’re getting 1.5 times our money with the rested team. I’ll take a shot in the dark with the Canadiens.