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Andrew Rogers
Montreal Canadiens vs. Detroit Red Wings: Odds, Prediction
Yet, while both teams are playing out the string, the Red Wings should be motivated to earn the win after getting trampled by the Canadiens in their previous three meetings this season.
Canadiens vs Red Wings Betting Analysis
Oddsmakers are apparently happy to ignore the Canadiens’ prior three victories over the Red Wings, who were outscored by a humbling 20-6 margin in that span – highlighted by a 10-1 Montreal rout that came two nights after a 6-3 home loss to the Canadiens. But it’s worth considering that Montreal has just 10 victories on the season, the fewest of any team in the league, and has dropped eight of its last nine games away from Bell Centre.
From a totals perspective, the Red Wings have been one of the strongest over plays heading into the home stretch of the regular season, going 7-2-1 O/U over their previous 10 games; an offensive boost has been part of that, with Detroit having scored 17 goals over its past four games. Montreal has gone above the number in four of its past five games – and it has shoddy defense and goaltending to thank for that, having allowed 20 goals over that span.
Montreal Canadiens
Looking for a bright side to the final stretch of the Canadiens’ rough campaign? Montreal will likely finish in the top half of teams in power-play success rate, entering Thursday ranked 12th overall at 21.3 percent. And the Canadiens have been red-hot with the man advantage despite their recent struggles, scoring a power-play goal in five consecutive games. Unfortunately, the penalty kill has been dreadful, surrendering six goals during that stretch.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings haven’t been a favourite that often – in fact, they’ve been in that position just four times since Jan. 31. But Detroit has made good in those situations, winning three of those games outright. The Red Wings have just 18 wins in 39 games in their first season at Little Caesars Arena but have appeased the home fans with wins in each of their last two home games; they’ll host the New York Islanders on Saturday to close out hte season.
