Date: Friday, January 3, 2025
Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
Broadcast: Chicago Sports Network
Betting Odds: Canadiens (-133) Blackhawks (+112)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
The Chicago Blackhawks (12-23-2) are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens (16-17-3) at the United Center this coming Friday. The betting lines open with the Canadiens favored at -133 and the Blackhawks at +112, with an anticipated total of 6 goals for the game.
The Montreal Canadiens concluded their last match on a high note, securing a 5-2 victory over the Lightning. In this encounter, Montreal incurred a total of 6 penalty minutes. They demonstrated strong offensive capability, although they faced challenges on the power play, unable to convert on 2 opportunities. Ultimately, they achieved 5 goals from the 37 shots directed at the net.
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As for their scoring statistics, the Montreal Canadiens have netted a total of 109 goals this season (ranking 19th in the NHL) while allowing 124 goals. Currently, they stand with 35 points, holding a points percentage of .486. Their power play opportunities amount to 112, resulting in 24 goals, yielding a conversion rate of 21.43%. While playing even strength, Montreal has allowed 102 goals against, while accumulating 85 goals of their own. The team has attempted a total of 905 shots, translating to a shooting percentage of 12.0%. On the defensive end, they have faced 1,056 shots, posting a save percentage of .883. The Canadiens’ opponents have seized 126 power play chances (3rd place in the league) and scored 22 goals during those opportunities.
In net for this matchup will be Sam Montembeault. Throughout his career, Montembeault has been scored upon 527 times, achieving a goals against average of 3.92 per game. He has participated in 173 NHL games, maintaining a save percentage of .898 across 8,063 minutes of play. With a record of 62 wins, 74 losses, and 23 ties, Montembeault has started 156 games, earning 83 quality starts, which accounts for a quality start percentage of .532. He has faced 5,179 shots, making 4,652 saves.
In their most recent game, the Blackhawks battled the Stars, resulting in a disappointing 5-1 defeat. During this match, Chicago made 4 attempts on the power play, scoring on 1 of those chances. They managed to get 1 goal from a total of 25 shots on goal.
This season, the Blackhawks have recorded 72 goals at even strength and 21 goals (ranking 20th in the NHL) on the power play. With 940 shots taken (29th in the NHL), they possess a shooting percentage of 9.89%, while allowing 1,105 shots against. Currently, the Chicago Blackhawks have scored a total of 93 goals, accumulated 26 points, and carry a points percentage of .351. They have allowed 123 goals against, with 107 of those at even strength and 16 while shorthanded. Chicago has capitalized on 94 power play opportunities, achieving a conversion rate of 22.34% and maintaining a solid penalty kill rate of 85.45% against their opponent’s 110 power plays, along with a save percentage of 88.9%.
Guarding the net for the Blackhawks will be Petr Mrazek. Over his career, Mrazek holds a record of 175 wins, 168 losses, and 39 ties, having played in 412 games. His quality start percentage is 51.4%, with 196 quality starts recorded. Mrazek has achieved 10,505 saves out of 11,586 shot attempts, resulting in a save percentage of .907. Opponents average 2.97 goals per game against him, as he has surrendered a total of 1,081 goals during his career, having started in 381 games and accumulated 21,857 minutes on ice.
Free Prediction: Bet on Chicago (+112)
