Chicago (23-46-11) at Montreal (39-31-10)
- When: Apr 14 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, CAN
- TV: CHSN
Betting Preview & Predictions: Blackhawks vs Canadiens
Line: Montreal (-275)| Total: 6.0
Montreal Canadiens Outlook:
The Canadiens enter Monday’s matchup riding a wave of dominance at home, having earned points in 10 straight at the Bell Centre (9-0-1). That hot stretch has positioned Montreal right in the thick of the playoff hunt, and with a struggling opponent on deck, this looks like a prime opportunity to keep that momentum going.
Goaltending and discipline have been keys to the Habs’ recent success. Sam Montembeault is expected to start between the pipes, and he’s been red-hot – boasting a 5-1-0 record with a .927 SV% and 2.00 GAA over his last six games. On the penalty kill, Montreal is a perfect 14-for-14 across the past four contests. The one area that needs work? The power play – the Canadiens have failed to score in 13 straight opportunities.
Keep an eye on rookie blueliner Lane Hutson. He’s on the verge of breaking the franchise rookie record for points by a defenseman and could be poised for a breakout night against one of the league’s worst defensive units.
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook:
The Blackhawks are limping to the finish line. With only 57 points on the season and an NHL-worst 8-26-5 road record, they’re just trying to play spoiler at this point. To make matters worse, veterans Alec Martinez and Pat Maroon just played their final NHL games, leaving a young and inexperienced core to battle through a back-to-back set.
The Hawks fell in a shootout to Winnipeg on Saturday and now have to shuffle goaltending duties between Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom for this two-game road trip. Knight made 37 saves against the Jets, so expect Soderblom to get the nod against Montreal.
Chicago did manage a 4-2 win over the Canadiens earlier this season, but this version of the Habs is rolling and playing with far more urgency.
Best Bets & Prediction:
Pick: Canadiens -1.5 (-105)
Total: Under 6.0 (-103)
Projected Score: Montreal 4, Chicago 1
The Habs are locked in defensively, getting strong goaltending, and are unbeatable at home lately. With Chicago shuffling goalies and lacking veteran leadership, this feels like a comfortable win for Montreal. The under also holds value with Montembeault in net and Chicago’s offensive inconsistency on the road.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
