Canadiens vs. Red Wings Odds
| Canadiens Odds | +152 |
| Red Wings Odds | -184 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 -132 / +108 |
The Montreal Canadiens head to Detroit to take on the Red Wings. Montreal is going through a rough patch and has lost four in a row, while Detroit has lost five of its past seven games.
Here’s a look at the odds, as well as my Canadiens vs Red Wings betting prediction.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are still trying to figure themselves out, but have gotten really good production from their top guys. Cole Caufield is averaging a point per game and captain Nick Suzuki is off to a decent start. Sean Monahan is also having a career resurgence with 11 points in 12 games after two seasons of disappointment.
It’s been a decent start for the Canadiens compared to where they ended up last year. However, the offense needs to pick up as it ranks 20th in expected goals (47.95 xGF%). Defensively, they’re worse (3.05 xGA/60). Montreal still doesn’t have a legit number one netminder, so the defense needs to be better.
So far, I’ve liked what I’ve seen on the power play as Montreal has scored a goal in three straight games. The Canadiens are scoring at a 20% clip, which is around league average. Conversely, the penalty kill is horrid and succeeding only 73% of the time.
Montreal has split starts between Jake Allen and Sam Montembeault. I'd expect Montembeault to get the nod tonight and he's been solid in five starts, playing to a .902 SV% and a -1.3 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit has a ton of skill up front and some solid defensive pieces. However, I’m concerned with Alex DeBrincat. The hottest offseason signing in the NHL started off on fire, but is now goalless in six straight games. Beyond him, Dylan Larkin is on a career high pace, Lucas Raymond has 10 points in 12 games, and Moritz Seider is looking to solidify himself as a high-end defenseman.
I would say that the Wings play a fairly similar pace to the Canadiens. On the offensive end, Detroit plays to a slightly worse 47.4 xGF%. Defensively, the Red Wings are a tad better with a 2.84 xGA/60.
Typically, the Red Wings have a stellar power play, but they went 0-for-6 against the Rangers. They’re scoring at a 25% clip, which is near the top and the penalty kill is getting better, succeeding nearly 80% of the time.
It's hard to tell who will take the crease tonight. Ville Husso started in the past two games, so there’s a chance James Reimer will start. Reimer has been the more efficient netminder, playing to a .944 SV% in four starts with a +2.0 GSAx. Husso has been a sieve in nine starts, posting a .890 SV% and a -0.3 GSAx.
Canadiens vs. Red Wings
Betting Pick & Prediction
I anticipate this game being fairly high scoring. Even though I’m not crazy about the pace both teams play at, I’m a believer in the talent.
Will DeBrincat finally get off the snide? That's the biggest question of them all. Beyond him, Detroit has an ample amount of high-end goal scorers, but DeBrincat is the straw that stirs the drink. This will be the perfect time for him to get back on track — against a weak Canadiens' defense and uncertain goaltending.
For the Canadiens, Caufield is legit. In a year or two, he’ll probably be one of the league's most prolific scorers.
Goaltending is a question for both of these teams, so I think this game will go over 6.5 goals.
Pick: Over 6.5 (-132)
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