Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction, NHL Odds
The Oilers open a three-game road trip in Montreal riding a three-game win streak after topping Nashville by a 3-2 score on Thursday. The Canadiens have dropped four straight, capped by Thursday’s 5-4 loss to the visiting Anaheim Ducks.
Backed by 93 percent of sports bettors, the Oilers have rocketed to -250 favourites since opening as a lofty -199 bet. Accordingly, the Canadiens have dipped to +207 longshots, and the total is listed at 6.5 with -114 odds favouring the UNDER.
Oilers vs. Canadiens NHL Betting Odds
Saturday night’s matchup at Bell Centre marks the first of two regular season meetings between these clubs. The Canadiens claimed the win in five of nine clashes last season. However, the Oilers earned the win in three of their four most recent meetings, capped by back-to-back 4-3 victories in Montreal in mid-May. Four of the past five dates between these teams have been settled by just one goal, including each of the past three at Bell Centre. With each of their past three clashes ending with a 4-3 score, the OVER enjoys a 3-0 run, ending a steady 7-0 tear for the UNDER. Home teams have not fared well in head-to-head action, losing in seven of 10.
The Oilers’ current 3-0-0 run comes on the heels of a seven-game slide. However, the Edmonton offence has yet to return to its familiar explosive form, scoring three or fewer goals in seven of their past 10 overall. The Oilers have also lost six of eight on the road, and averaged just two goals per game over their past four. Currently buried at the bottom of the NHL standings, the Canadiens have lost 17 of 19, and surrendered five goals per game during their current four-game slide. They have also averaged just 1.83 goals per game while losing five of six on home ice.
Edmonton Oilers
Evander Kane joins the Oilers after being released by the San Jose Sharks under a cloud of controversy. Kane has yet to see NHL action this season, but tallied two goals and six assists in five appearances with the AHL San Jose Barracuda. However, the 30-year-old potted 22 goals and 27 assists in 56 games with the Sharks last season. He has also racked up eight points in his past seven appearances in Montreal, capped by a two-goal, one-assist performance in his last visit with the Sharks, back in October 2019.
Montreal Canadiens
Wins remain exceedingly scarce for the Canadiens, but it is not due to a lack of effort. While the team hurt itself by spotting the Ducks an early 3-0 lead in Thursday’s loss, they still managed to outplay them for lengthy stretches, while outshooting Anaheim by a wide 40-24 margin. And when they have been outclassed, they have enjoyed the benefit of steady goaltending from Samuel Montembault. The 25-year-old stopped 13 of 15 shots after relieving starter Cayden Primeau on Thursday, and was simply spectacular at times while stopping 97 of the 104 shots in losing efforts over his past two starts.
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