Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens – The Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens face off on Wednesday night in a non-conference NHL matchup. The Penguins have struggled lately with a 11-12-3 record while the Canadiens are 12-12-3 on the season coming into this one. This piece provides NHL betting picks with analysis on trends, team stats, and key players. Set in the renowned Bell Centre, this encounter promises to be a thrilling display of hockey.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Location: Bell Centre
TV: ESPN+
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Puckline | Total |
| Penguins | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Canadiens | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Pittsburgh Penguins Analysis
The Penguins offense has not lived up to expectations so far this year. Jake Guentzel leads the team with just 29 points while stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have 27 and 22 points respectively. As a team, Pittsburgh ranks 21st in goals per game at 2.92. They have struggled on the power play as well, converting at just 18.4%, 24th in the NHL. With Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Kris Letang, and more, there is too much talent for them to continue to sputter for long. If they start clicking, this team can fill the net.
They take on a Montreal defense that is right in the middle of the pack, allowing 3.22 goals against per contest (16th). The Canadiens do not have any standout defenders or defensive forwards, so Pittsburgh should be able to create quality chances. It will come down to if Crosby, Malkin and others can start finishing. The opportunity should be there against a mediocre Canadiens defense.
In goal, Tristan Jarry has been average with a 2.48 GAA and .918 save percentage. His numbers have dipped after a stellar season last year but he seems to be rounding back into form. Over his last five starts, Jarry has allowed more than 3 goals just once while making at least 28 saves in four of those five games. If he continues that steady play, it will keep the Penguins in the game.
Montreal Canadiens Analysis
The Canadiens offense runs through Nick Suzuki but he has little consistent help around him. Only two other players have more than 14 points on the year as Montreal has struggled to put the puck in the net. They rank 28th scoring just 2.70 goals per game and their power play checks in at just 17.9% (27th). If Suzuki and young sniper Cole Caufield get hot they are capable of generating offense. But for the majority of the year, scoring has been hard to come by.
They take on a Penguins defense that is middle of the road, ranked 15th while allowing 3.15 goals per contest. Kris Letang leads the blue line but the unit has battled injuries and inconsistency all year. The Canadiens may be able to expose the Pittsburgh defense, especially if their scorers get going. But aside from Suzuki and Caufield, Montreal lacks players who inspire fear in opponents right now.
In net, Sam Montembeault owns a mediocre 2.78 GAA and .912 save percentage on the year. He has made some big saves when called upon however, stealing wins at times when the offense struggles. If he can do that against the dangerous Penguins attack, it will give Montreal a major edge. Pittsburgh has the offensive stars to easily fill the net so Montembeault will need to be sharp.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens Against the Spread
The Canadiens have shown a mixed bag in recent trends, being 2-3 in their last 5 games but maintaining a stronger record against the spread in road games. This inconsistency could play a role in the upcoming match.
The Penguins, on the other hand, have struggled lately, with a 1-4 record in their last 5 games both overall and against the spread. This trend suggests potential challenges in their upcoming game, especially in an away setting.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens Free Pick
Based on trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Montreal Canadiens (The Canadiens have a slightly better recent record, and playing at home could give them the edge.)
Spread: Pittsburgh Penguins (Despite recent struggles, the Penguins’ experienced line-up could keep the game close.)
Total: Over (Both teams have shown a tendency for games with higher totals, especially in recent home games for the Canadiens.)
Predicted Score: Montreal Canadiens 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 3
In conclusion, while the betting odds are yet to be determined, this game promises to be a close encounter. For those interested in live betting in Canada, this matchup offers exciting opportunities, with the Canadiens’ home advantage and the Penguins’ need to bounce back from recent disappointments. The most reliable pick seems to be the Canadiens for the Moneyline, considering their home game performance and the Penguins’ recent form.
