Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The Ottawa Senators face the Montreal Canadiens with both teams looking to improve in the Atlantic Division. The Senators have a 23-23-3 record and have the second-worst record in the division but have won their last three games. The Canadiens have a 20-26-4 record and with three losses in a row are in last place in the Atlantic Division. Both teams look to improve in the division and the Eastern Conference ahead of the All-Star break and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.
Senators defense has stepped up recently
The Senators are having a rough season with their offense struggling and scoring only 2.96 goals per game. Brady Tkachuk, Claude Giroux, and Tim Stützle have scored 58 goals and 83 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has struggled. The hope is that Mathieu Joseph and Tyler Motte can step up as they play a pivotal role in the forward unit but have only scored six goals and 13 assists on the season thus far.
The defense has also struggled, allowing 3.16 goals per game but recently the unit has stepped up, allowing only three goals in the last three games. Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson have combined for 5.0 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has also stepped up with Travis Hamonic and Nick Holden creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net. The hope is that goaltender Anton Forsberg steps up in the net as he has a .906 save percentage and a 3.09 goals-against average on 748 shots.
Canadiens defense has let them down this season
The Canadiens are having a rough season with their offense struggling, scoring only 2.52 goals per game including only five goals in the last three games. Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, and Christian Dvorak have scored 33 goals and 57 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only three active skaters have nine goals or more and opposing defenses can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has caused the Canadiens to fall apart, allowing 3.68 goals per game with 13 goals in the last three games. Johnathan Kovacevic and David Savard have combined for 3.1 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Jake Allen has struggled with a .893 save percentage and a 3.53 goals-against average on 924 shots.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Rating:
The Canadiens are looking to pull off the upset and end the losing streak on their home ice. The problem is that the Senators are on a three-game win streak and look to control this game from the first period. The Senators look to build off a five-goal game and find the back of the net at will against a Canadiens defense that is allowing 3.68 goals per game with Brady Tkachuk, Claude Giroux, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with effective puck movement. The Senators should limit a Canadiens offense that is averaging only 2.52 goals per game with Thomas Chabot, Jake Sanderson, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Anton Forsberg to make plenty of big saves. The Senators should win the game to sweep the home-and-home series and extend their winning streak to four games.
Take the Senators money line as home Favorites.
Prediction: Senators (-175)
Fan Dual is offering a crazy $3k "no sweat" first bet to new customers. If you're not already signed up, take advantage of this offer!!! Use it to build your bankroll with minimal risk. Deposit as much as you can responsibly, and play it on something safe that you have tons of confidence on. BOOM! Cash that and virtually double your bankroll, setting you up for a great year! 21+ only, see offer for additional T&C.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Rating:
Both offenses have been awful and the upcoming game should reflect that with both defenses stepping up and controlling this game. The Canadiens should limit the Senators' offense which averages only 2.96 goals per game with Johnathan Kovacevic, Jordan Harris, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jake Allen to make plenty of big saves. The Senators, who have allowed only three goals in their last three games, should eliminate and potentially shut out a Canadiens offense that has scored only five goals in the last three games, with Thomas Chabot, Jake Sanderson, Nick Holden, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone while goaltender Anton Forsberg blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up.
Take the Under on 6 goals.
Prediction: Under 6
Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.
