Canadiens vs. Blackhawks NHL Odds, Prediction and Picks: Montreal Seeks Response After Another Blown Lead
The Montreal Canadiens open a four-game Western Conference road trip on Friday as they stop in Chicago, searching for a win against the Blackhawks.
The Hawks will be well rested for this original six matchup, after a six-day break, looking to bounce back from a 4-0 loss at home on Saturday. The Habs lost on Tuesday, after blowing another 3-1 lead, losing two of their past three.
The NHL Odds have the Canadiens as the -140 favourites on the road, with the OVER/UNDER set at an even 6 goals. Puck drop is set for 9:00 pm EST at United Center in Chicago.
Bet on Canadiens vs. Blackhawks
Canadiens vs. Blackhawks NHL Betting Odds
Montreal won both of their meetings with Chicago last season, 3-2 and 4-1, hitting the UNDER in both contests. The Canadiens’ star power carried them to victory with Nick Suzuki’s five points, while Lane Hutson (4A) and Zack Bolduc (3G, 1A) both also had a pair of multi-point games. For Chicago, Spencer Knight was in goal for both of the losses, while Frank Nazar had a goal and two assists in the series.
The Canadiens have hit the OVER in four straight games, in which they have scored three or more in each game and won twice. While their offence is clicking at a decent rate, their goals against has been a disaster, allowing 3.78 per game, ranking them 28th of 32. With only one regulation win under their belt, they have only covered the spread twice in their nine games this season.
Another team struggling defensively is the Blackhawks, who are allowing four goals per game, sitting 30th. Their offence is ranked in the same spot, scoring just 2.33 goals per game. They have hit the OVER in five of their nine games this year and have covered the spread in three.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have blown a 3-1 lead in back-to-back games now, raising concern for the young group. Saturday versus the Buffalo Sabres, they battled their way back and won in overtime, but they were not as lucky on Tuesday as the San Jose Sharks rallied back to win it in the extra frame.
After giving up the opening goal, Nick Suzuki (fifth), Juraj Slafkovsky (second) and Cole Caufield (sixth) rattled off three in a row to give them the 3-1 lead heading into the third. A pair of Sharks goals sent the game to overtime, where goalie Jakub Dobes took an unnecessary interference call. The ensuing power play would see the Sharks seal the deal with the overtime winner, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of Habs fans.
To make matters worse, Suzuki went down to block a shot, taking it off the hand. Despite finishing the game, he was ruled out on Thursday for 2-4 weeks with an upper-body injury.
Chicago Blackhawks
After winning back-to-back games for the first time this season, the Hawks ran out of steam against the Dallas Stars on Saturday night, losing 4-0 and dropping to 3-6 on the season. Chicago was dominated by the league’s best defence in that one, being held to just 19 shots, most of which came in the final period.
His numbers may be tough to look at, but Spencer Knight has been solid this season, giving the Hawks a chance to win most games. On an average night, he is facing almost 32 shots a game, leading the league. His 3-4 record is decent, but his 3.59 goals-against average and .888 save percentage are not pretty.
Chicago is a much better team with Connor Bedard as their number one centre, as they have a 2-1 record since his return. The Hawks’ new captain has a goal and two helpers so far. 19-year-old Anton Frondell is off to a good start in his first full season with the Hawks, posting a goal and five assists for a team-leading six points.
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