San Jose Sharks vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction, NHL Odds
After two days of rest, the winless Montreal Canadiens play host to the San Jose Sharks Tuesday night. The Habs are trying to get the train back on track and avoid their worst start in over 25 years. Would an 0-4 start have Habs fans hitting the panic button already?
The Canadiens are -153 favourites to win on the NHL odds, with a total of 5.5.
Sharks vs. Canadiens NHL Odds
The Canadiens and Sharks have not met in almost exactly two years ago, October 24, 2019. Since 2014, they have played only nine games, with San Jose winning eight of those and outscoring the Canadiens 35 to 12. The last time Montreal beat the Sharks was back in March of 2015 but bettors expect to snap the streak tonight with 74 per cent of customers throwing their money on the Habs.
Montreal has been struggling to put the puck in the net, scoring just once in each of their first three games. The over is still receiving most of the action though, with 87 per cent of bets expecting the game to finish above the number.
San Jose could start either goalie tonight, Adin Hill or James Reimer, while the Habs will likely go to Jake Allen. Allen has allowed four goals on 49 shots in his two starts this year, posting a .925 save percentage.
San Jose Sharks
Two rookie forwards, William Eklund and Jasper Weatherby, had a night to remember in their Sharks debut. Eklund picked up an assist on the power-play for his first NHL point, while Weatherby outdid him by scoring the game tying goal on the power-play and adding an assist for his first two points.
The Sharks wont have to deal with at least one off-ice issue for a while, as the NHL finally came to a decision on Sharks forward Evander Kane. He has been suspended for 21 games after violating the NHL’s COVID protocol and will not appeal the suspension.
Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson, who was once considered a top-five player in the league, said over the weekend that he is still one of the best in the world. Karlsson has had a few down seasons but if he’s hungry enough, nobody will be doubting him to get back to where he once was.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are adjusting to life without Carey Price and Shea Weber. The two have been the main leadership group for this team for years and with at least one of them out longterm, the Habs will need to search for a new identity. Young forwards Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are supposed to be moving the needle for this squad but they have not found their groove yet, this year.
Jonathan Drouin has already matched his goal output from last season. He seemed snake bitten las year, but he’s now scored two of the Canadiens’ three goals this year.
Off-season signings Mike Hoffman and Sami Niku were skating on regular lines at practice this week and could make their Habs debuts tonight, adding a needed spark to the offence.
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