Things are starting to hit the fan in Montreal, as the Canadiens have gone just 14-17 after they opened the season with wins in 13 of their first 15. The Canadiens have dropped their past two outings, but they have gone 9-2 SU in their past 11 games after dropping two straight. They will look to get on the right side of the ledger when they visit the New Jersey Devils on Friday.
This being the first night of a back-to-back for the Canadiens, backup Al Montoya will get the start in net. Montoya has been struggling in his past three starts, as the journeyman has allowed nine goals in those outings. This ultimately hasn’t mattered, as the Habs offense has tallied 14 goals in the same span. Montoya’s inability to stop the puck is concerning for a Montreal team that has scored just one goal in its past two and has been held to one goal or none in three of the past four.
It seems as though the Devils may be righting the ship, as they come back to New Jersey after going 3-0-1 during their four-game road trip. Offense continues to be an issue for the Devils, as they have notched two or fewer goals in six of their past seven games.
Montreal Canadiens vs New Jersey Devils Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Devils sit at 19-18-9 on the season; in comparison, the Montreal Canadiens are currently 27-13-6. Looking to wager on the totals? New Jersey is 16-18-12 OU, and Montreal is 20-18-8 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and New Jersey vs Montreal injuries news.
The Canadiens - Devils odds would favor the Canadiens if the lines were set according to our power ranks. New Jersey is rated No. 29 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Montreal is at No. 7.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the New Jersey Devils No. 28-ranked offense (2.28 goals per game) against a Montreal Canadiens defense that ranks No. 7 at 2.54 goals per game allowed. The Devils Sportsbook has clicked at a 13.07% rate while the Canadiens have a 79.39% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Montreal lost its last outing, a 4-1 result against the Penguins on January 18. Bettors who backed the Penguins at +110 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.
New Jersey won its last outing, a 4-3 result against the Wild on January 17. Bettors who backed the Devils at +196 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (7) sent OVER bettors to the payout window.
Next Betting Matchups
Montreal home to Buffalo, Saturday, January 21st
New Jersey at Philadelphia, Saturday, January 21st