Bell Centre will be the site for an East-West showdown as the Minnesota Wild face off against the Montreal Canadiens. It’s the last time that these two clubs will meet in the regular season. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 9, and you’ll be able to witness the game live on Reseau Des Sports.
Minnesota Wild at Montreal Canadiens Odds
Montreal is 7-9 straight up (SU) and has recorded -3.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 47-35 record that the team managed during last year’s regular season campaign. Of its 16 games this season, 10 have gone over the total, while five have gone under and just one has pushed. Thus far, the team’s 3-3 SU at home.
The Canadiens have converted on just 15.9 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s ranked 25th overall in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 29th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 74.1 percent of all penalties.
The Canadiens, as a collective unit, have been whistled for penalties just 3.9 times per game overall this season, and 2.4 per game over their last five games at home. The team’s had to stave off opponent power plays for 8.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, in total.
With a .877 save percentage and 25.3 saves per game, Carey Price (3-8-1) has been the best goalkeeper for Montreal this year. If Montreal chooses to give him a breather, however, it might turn to Al Montoya (2-2-2 record, .863 save percentage, 3.77 goals against average).
Brendan Gallagher and Shea Weber will both lead the offensive attack for the Canadiens. Gallagher (12 points) is up to seven goals and five assists and has recorded multiple points in three different games this year. Weber has three goals and eight assists to his name and has recorded a point in six games.
Over on the other bench, Minnesota is 5-9 straight up (SU) and has lost 4.9 units for moneyline bettors thus far. Through 14 regular season outings, eight of its games have gone over the total, while four have gone under and just one has pushed. The Wild are 2-5 SU as a road team this season.
The Wild have converted on 17.8 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked ninth overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.7 percent of all penalties.
Minnesota’s skaters have been whistled for penalties 3.9 times per game this season. Last year, that number was at 3.4, which was the fifth-lowest mark in the league. After serving an average of 8.1 penalty minutes per game a year ago, the team’s been forced to kill penalties for 8.4 minutes per matchup this season.
Devan Dubnyk (.903 save percentage and 3.04 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Minnesota. Dubnyk is averaging 27.0 saves per game and has four wins, seven losses, and one overtime loss to his credit.
Eric Staal (five goals, six assists) and Jason Zucker (five goals, five assists) have been standout playmakers for Minnesota and will pace the offensive attack for the visiting Wild.
Minnesota Wild at Montreal Canadiens Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Canadiens, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The total has gone over in three of Montreal’s last five outings.
- Minnesota has managed 31.4 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Montreal is averaging 36.4 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Montreal has allowed 3.6 goals per game overall this season, but is giving up only 2.0 per match up on its three-game win streak.
- 42.9 percent of Montreal’s wins have come by two or more goals (the team is 3-8 overall in games decided by at least two scores) while 80.0 percent of Minnesota’s wins have come by two goals or more (4-4 overall in such games).
