New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Best Bets & Predictions
The New York Islanders (20-16-11) will look to gain some momentum under new head coach Patrick Roy on Thursday as the team takes on the Montreal Canadiens (19-21-7). Roy’s return to Montreal overshadows what is an important game for the Islanders, who are two points back of the Detroit Red Wings for a spot in the NHL playoffs. The Canadiens beat the Islanders 5-3 in their most recent match on December 16.
Islanders vs Canadiens Picks
- Pick: Canadiens +1.5 (-190)
Semyon Varlamov (2.78 GAA, .918 save percentage) is the confirmed starting goaltender for the Islanders and Sam Montembeault (3.11 GAA, .903 save percentage) is likely to start for the Islanders. Let’s take a closer look at the Islanders vs Canadiens best bets.
New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Matchup Information
New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Matchup Information
NY Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens
Location: Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada
Date & Time: Thursday, January 25 at 7 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Recent Scores for New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens
The Islanders have had a rough NHL schedule as of late, going 3-6-1 in their last 10 NHL games. They won their first game under Roy on Sunday, but lost 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday.
Montreal, meanwhile, is 3-5-2 in its last 10 games and have lost three consecutive games by a combined score of 19-7. The Canadiens are among the NHL picks to finish in the draft lottery.
New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Analysis
New York comes into the Islanders vs. Canadiens best bets ranked T24th in goals (2.91) and T23rd in goals allowed (3.32). They’re also 31st in shots on goal allowed (35.0), which is surprising for a team that has in recent years played a sound defensive structure. The New York Islanders standings should improve, however, under Roy, a former Jack Adams winner.
Mathew Barzal is tied with Noah Dobson for the team lead in NHL player stats with 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists). Dobson, one of the top-scoring defensemen in the league, has six goals and 42 assists. Brock Nelson leads the Islanders with 21 goals. New York is 8-10-5 in road games this season.
Montreal, seventh in the NHL standings for the Atlantic Division, are in a free fall as they’re now 27th overall in the league and have given up 19 goals in their last three games. They’ve struggled to score all season, ranking 28th in goals (2.68) and are now down to T27th in goals against (3.51). The Montreal Canadiens, normally a great team on home ice, is 9-12-3 at the Bell Centre this season.
Captain Nick Suzuki leads the Montreal Canadiens stats with 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists). Cole Caufield leads the team with 16 goals and is second with 36 points.
The New York Islanders are without Ryan Pulock, Robert Bortuzzo, and Casey Cizikas. Bo Horvat is also on the NHL injury report with a face injury and is a game-time decision for the Islanders vs. Canadiens best bets. Montreal has several players out of the lineup, including Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach.
Odds Breakdown for New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens
New York
The Islanders are -150 moneyline favorites with -1.5 (+165) puck line odds. The over/under for the Islanders vs. Canadiens best bets is 6.
Montreal
The Canadiens are +130 moneyline underdogs with NHL odds of +1.5 (-190) for the puck line.
New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Betting Pick and Prediction
Montreal has played so poorly lately, but if there’s anything that will get the players motivated – and wake up the home crowd – it’s the return of Roy to the Bell Centre. Expect the Canadiens to get up for this one and, at the very least, cover the spread. They’re 13-11 ATS at home.
- Pick: Canadiens +1.5 (-190)
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