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Florida (22-17-3) at Montreal (24-13-6)
- When: Jan 8 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, CAN
- TV: SCRIPPS
Florida vs Montreal NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Florida -130
Spread: Florida -1.5 (+195)
Total: 6.0
Montreal Canadiens Breakdown
Montreal is suddenly playing hockey that looks suspiciously organized, and fans are understandably confused but delighted. The Canadiens welcome Florida after already beating them once recently, and confidence is flowing like hot gravy at a holiday dinner. This team has won four of its last five games and is treating home ice like a personal security blanket.
Against Calgary, Montreal spent the first period politely firing pucks with no results, then immediately decided goals were more fun. The second period explosion flipped the game, and once Montreal gets momentum, they tend to skate like someone turned the speed slider up.
Alexandre Texier had the kind of night that makes coaches nod approvingly and teammates slap helmets repeatedly. Cole Caufield continues to score goals like it is a habit he refuses to break, and the Canadiens offense looks balanced instead of desperate. When passes are crisp and legs are moving, Montreal becomes incredibly annoying to play against.
From a betting standpoint, Montreal is dangerous as a home underdog. They are comfortable letting games breathe, staying patient, and striking when opponents lose structure. They also appear mentally tougher than earlier in the season, which matters in tight games.
Florida Panthers Breakdown
Florida arrives in Montreal looking like a team that forgot its charger at home. The Panthers started this road trip by skating directly into a wall in Toronto, falling behind early and never recovering. While shot totals improved late, effort and urgency were missing when they mattered most.
Injuries are starting to pile up for Florida, and that has clearly disrupted chemistry. Missing key bodies changes how lines function, how matchups work, and how confident a team feels playing its preferred style. Florida thrives on aggression and pressure, but lately that edge has dulled.
Offensively, goals have been hard to come by. Florida has struggled to generate clean chances and has leaned too heavily on single shot sequences instead of sustained pressure. Defensively, slow starts have put them in uncomfortable spots that force risky decisions.
Still, Florida is favored at minus one thirty for a reason. Their roster depth, defensive structure, and goaltending give them a higher floor than Montreal. The question is whether they can flip the switch quickly enough on the road.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
Florida enters as a slight moneyline favorite at minus one thirty with the total sitting at 6.0. Montreal has shown it can hang in low scoring games, while Florida prefers grinding contests where mistakes are punished immediately.
Expect a tight first period with cautious play, followed by increased pace once someone blinks first. Montreal’s confidence and Florida’s urgency collide here, which usually creates drama and stress for everyone watching.
Florida’s experience and need to stabilize this road trip give them the edge, but do not expect anything easy.
Score Prediction: Florida 3, Montreal 2
Pick: Florida (-130)
Total: nder 6.0 (-103)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
