Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers Prediction, NHL Odds
The Montreal Canadiens can now put their rollercoaster year of 2021 in the rearview and get a fresh start in New Year’s Day’s matinee matchup with the Florida Panthers.
The Panthers are coming fresh off an impressive nine-goal performance against their state rival and defending Stanley Cup champions the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Puck drop at BB&T Center goes at 1 PM EST and the host Panthers are -425 favourites on the NHL odds with a total of 6.
Canadiens vs. Panthers NHL Betting Odds
It has been almost two full years since the Panthers beat the Canadiens 4-1 back on March, 7th of 2020. In their past six head-to-head matchups, Montreal has won four, but the home team is 6-0 in this series.
Statistically these teams are the polar opposites, the Canadiens rank 31st in goals for per game and 29th in goals against; while Florida is scoring 3.7 goals per game, the second most in the league.
The Canadiens covered the spread in back-to-back games before getting shut out, putting their record against the spread to 13-20. Five of their past seven meetings have played to the under, but they are 15-17 to the over so far this season.
The Panthers have played the Over in both games since Christmas putting them 16-14 this year. They will be looking to cover the spread more in the new year, as they currently sit 16-15.
Montreal Canadiens
After a Cinderella run that took them all the way to last years Stanley Cup Final, the Habs ended 2021 by getting off to their worst start in franchise history.
The Canadiens lost their second game since returning from an extended holiday break, this time putting up a goose egg in a 4-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. It was the fourth time this season they have been shutout.
Jonathan Drouin was a late scratch before the game and then they lost Brendan Gallagher in the first period. There are now 20 players out of the Canadiens lineup for one reason or another as they limp into 2022.
The Habs have only managed two road wins so far this season, so that could make a good new years resolution.
Florida Panthers
2021 was a huge year for the Panthers, they built an impressive roster, got a taste of the playoffs and opened this season with seven straight wins. Florida hopes to take that next step in 2022 and be seen as an NHL powerhouse.
The Panthers ended 2021 with a nine goal performance Thursday at home against their rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jonathan Huberdeau scored a goal and added four assists picking up five points for the second time in his career in his teams 9-3 victory.
Anthony Duclair, scored the game winning goal versus the New York Rangers on Wednesday and kept the good times rolling by scoring two gorgeous goals along with an assist against Tampa.
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