Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers: NHL Odds, Prediction

Sports Interaction Staff
Last Updated: November 6, 2017

Both the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens were blitzed on Saturday night as the Rangers gave up eight goals in an 8-5 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs while the Montreal Canadiens allowed six in a 6-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. It’s a quick turnaround as both teams look to rebound and the only game on the NHL odds board.

Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers

Odds: Rangers -115, Canadiens -105 Total: 5.5

Date: Sunday, October 8^th, 2017 – 7:00 PM ET

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

NHL Odds and Betting Analysis

The two teams have split their last 10 meetings, with five games going under the posted total, along with a push. The Rangers are favoured slightly at home, but the 5.5-goal total is a little higher than we’re used to with these teams. The over/under had been set at 5 for the last seven meetings between the two. It makes sense when you consider that two of the very best goalies in the world could be facing off on Sunday night. Both goalies are more than capable of stealing a game for their team, and they could take the spotlight.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens won their season opener by a score of 3-2 in a shootout in Buffalo, with goals coming from Max Pacioretty and Phillip Danault. Jonathan Drouin found the back of the net in the shootout to win the game for the Canadiens, but Carey Price was brilliant once again, making 43 stops, and he stopped all three shootout attempts. However, the wheels came off on Saturday night as the Canadiens gave up six goals on just 23 shots as Price was pulled.

New York Rangers

The Rangers fell 4-2 in their season opener at home against Colorado as they got a pair of power-play goals from Mika Zibanejad, but not much else. Henrik Lundqvust stopped 22 of 25 shots in a subpar performance by his standards. While that was a mediocre start, things got much worse on Saturday as Lundqvist gave up five goals on 17 shots and was pulled in an 8-5 loss to the Leafs.

Kevin Shattenkirk didn’t have a great game in his Rangers debut as he was a -3, although he did notch an assist on the power play. He bounced back on Saturday, chipping in a goal and an assist while managing an even plus-minus rating.

The Rangers need to get better goaltending from Lundqvist and fast or their season is going to go astray. He had a 2.73 GAA before the All-Star break last season and a lot of people wondered if he was nearing the end of his career. He turned things around and played well in the playoffs. However, he’s already given up eight goals in just two games and the Rangers have to be concerned. Early projections show that Ondrej Pavelec may get the start to give Lundqvist the day off. Pavelec gave up three goals on 24 shots in relief on Saturday night.