Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction, NHL Odds
Montreal is playing its fourth game in six days and is looking to snap a two-game losing skid. The Penguins are a heavy favourite to win tonight sitting at -248 on the NHL odds with a total of 6.5.
Penguins vs. Canadiens NHL Betting Odds
In last year’s three-game season the Penguins took two of three, out-scoring Montreal 14-5. Sidney Crosby leads the scoring in the series with six points (2G, 4A). Four of the past five meetings between these squads have played the Over and Montreal has managed to cover the spread in three games over that span.
Pittsburgh’s offence has been on fire to start the season, torching both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes by a score of 6-2. The Over is 2-0 to kick off their season and they have covered the spread in both as well.
The Canadiens have not played a game to the Over yet this season putting up a 0-2-1 record against the total and have only scored once over during their two-game losing skid. They covered the spread in their opening night 4-3 win over Toronto, but have not done it since.
Pittsburgh Penguins
After their first two contests, the Penguins are averaging a ridiculous six goals per game, while only giving up two at the other end. A big part of Pittsburgh’s early success has been their team’s overall health playing with a full roster for the first time in what seems like years.
Sidney Crosby has been leading the way so far for his Pens with six points through the first two games. His assist in the third period versus Tampa Bay put him 19th all-time in points with 1415, he now sits only five back of Adam Oates for 18th on the all-time list. Also on the milestone watch is head coach Mike Sullivan, who is only one win away from his 300th with the club and winger Jake Guentzel (163) is one goal away from tying Ron Francis for 11th most in team history.
Montreal Canadiens
Nick Suzuki’s first goal of the season stood as the only mark in their 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday night, as the Canadiens would drop both games playing on back-to-back nights. The Canadiens’ new Captain is tied for the team lead with his linemate Cole Caufield, each with three points in as many games.
Jeff Petry will make his return to Montreal after the team traded him in July for defenceman Mike Matheson. Petry played eight seasons with the Canadiens and was their top D-man for most of his tenure. He will receive a good reception from his former team and their fans tonight.
Jake Allen should return in goal tonight for Montreal after a break in the second half of their back-to-back. He made a career-high 47 saves versus the Penguins last season in a 6-3 Habs win in Pittsburgh.
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