New York Islanders vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction, NHL Odds
The Canadiens have claimed victory in consecutive home dates with the Detroit Red Wings, capped by a 3-0 win on Tuesday night, but have yet to string together wins in overall back-to-back outings so far this season. The Islanders aim to rebound from last weekend’s 3-2 loss in Nashville as they continue their epic season-opening 13-game road trip.
Despite their recent home success, the Canadiens look to Thursday’s matchup at Bell Centre pegged as +109 underdogs. The Islanders arrive in Montreal perched as -131 favourites, while the total is listed at 5.5.
Islanders vs. Canadiens NHL Betting Odds
Low scoring has emerged as a consistent theme for both these clubs in the early going of the new NHL season. A stingy Islanders defence has limited opponents to just seven total goals over their past five outings. And with the club averaging just 2.43 goals per game to date, the UNDER is currently on a 5-0-0 run. Scoring has also been at a premium for the Canadiens, who currently sport the NHL’s 30th-ranked offence that has scored two or fewer goals in eight of 11 outings.
Thursday’s matchup marks the first meeting between these two teams since March 2020. The Canadians have dominated head-to-head, taking home the win in six of their past seven dates with New York, including three straight home victories in which they limited the Islanders to just four total goals. However, these clubs have produced uneven results in totals betting, with the OVER going 3-3-1 during Montreal’s recent surge. In addition, home underdogs have not fared well when these teams meet, losing outright in three straight contests.
New York Islanders
After playing seven road games over 16 days to open the season, the Islanders have enjoyed four days off this week. The rest is much needed considering the club has six more road dates ahead of them over the next 12 days before their scheduled move into their new home at UBS Arena on November 20.
However, the Islanders have become increasingly comfortable during their marathon junket, rebounding from a pair of lopsided losses to open their schedule to earn at least a point in each of their past five outings. Much of the credit must go to netminder Ilya Sorokin, who has stopped 89 of 91 shots and recorded two shutouts over his past three starts.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens return to action on the heels of their best performance so far this season. After seeing promising rookie Cole Caufield get sent to the minors after a shaky start, the Habs responded with a 41-shot performance in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Detroit. However, it remains to be seen if the club can finally maintain that momentum considering their continued injury woes.
Jonathan Drouin’s status remains uncertain for Thursday. Drouin was hospitalized after taking a puck to the face in Tuesday’s win. He is joined in the clinic by Mathieu Perreault, who was placed on the IR this week with an eye injury.
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