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Montreal (22-13-6) at Dallas (25-9-7)
- When: Jan 4 2026, 2:00 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: ESPN+
Montreal vs Dallas NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Dallas -195
Spread: Dallas -1.5 (+122)
Total: 6.5
Dallas Stars Betting Breakdown
Dallas enters this matchup searching for traction after dropping four straight games. The timing is frustrating because it follows a dominant run where the Stars were winning almost every night. Defensive reliability has slipped during this skid, with Dallas allowing four goals in each loss after being one of the league’s stingiest units earlier.
The Stars still control play well at five on five, but lapses in coverage and late game execution have flipped results. Playing at home helps, and the upcoming heavy schedule should allow Dallas to regain rhythm. From a betting perspective, this is a classic bounce back spot for a team with strong underlying metrics and playoff expectations.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Breakdown
Montreal arrives looking to reset after being shut out in its previous game. Before that loss, the Canadiens were quietly playing solid hockey and collecting points consistently. The issue lately has been finishing chances, especially on the power play, which has cooled off after being a strength earlier in the season.
Montreal plays hard and creates opportunities, but their margin for error is thin against structured teams. On the road against a motivated opponent, the Canadiens may struggle to keep pace if they fall behind early. Discipline and special teams execution will be critical if they want to stay competitive.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
Dallas is the more complete team and the urgency level is high after four straight losses. Montreal can hang around early, but the Stars’ depth and home ice should tilt the ice as the game progresses. With Dallas needing a statement performance, this sets up as a controlled response rather than a shootout.
Score Prediction: Stars 4, Canadiens 2
Pick: Dallas -1.5 (+122)
Total: Under 6.5 (-117)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
