LiontipsMontreal vs New Jersey: Predictions and Betting Odds for the Friendly Match on September 25, 2024
Command Analysis
The primary issue for the Montreal Canadiens last season was their poor scoring performance. However, during the offseason, the team made minimal progress in addressing this concern, as seen from their player transfers. The club signed one notable forward, Patrick Laine from Columbus, but it's uncertain if he can return to his former playing level after missing a significant part of the season and participating in a player assistance program.
Montreal has already played its first preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers, achieving a resounding 5-0 victory. It's important to note that the Canadiens fielded a much stronger lineup, while the Flyers primarily used backup players.
- Montreal averaged 3.5 goals against per game
- Montreal received an average of 10 minutes of penalty time per game
The Devils had a disastrous previous season, finishing in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings. The team struggled to prevent goals, which was the main reason for their poor performance. Goalkeepers failed to meet their primary responsibilities, leading to the trade of Markström from the Flames. The club has strengthened its roster with several new players, notably defensemen Dillon and Kovačević, as well as power forwards Pesce, Noonan, and Cotter.
However, in their first preseason match, New Jersey failed to deliver a satisfactory performance, losing to the Islanders at home with a score of 2-4. Interestingly, all the club's newcomers participated in this game, yet even a less formidable lineup from the Islanders appeared to outperform them.
- New Jersey averaged 3.2 goals per game last season
- New Jersey converted one out of every three power plays
Trends
Bet Goal in every period - yes
In four out of five matchups, teams scored in every period
1.35Bet First goal: Montreal
In the last four matchups, Montreal has scored first
1.78Tip and bets
Montreal did not take any risks in their opening preseason game and fielded their strongest lineup, which led to their success. It is unlikely that the Canadiens will use the same players in back-to-back games, as there's no reason to overexert them, giving New Jersey a solid chance to bounce back from their loss. The Devils, unlike their opponent, have had time to rest since their last match, allowing them to put their stars back on the ice.
Our prediction is a victory for New Jersey at 2.68
Total Bet
In the upcoming match, a high-scoring game is likely. Both teams tend to focus on offensive play rather than strong defensive strategies, relying largely on their scoring opportunities.
Prediction - total over 6.5 goals at 2.10
First Period Outcome Bet
New Jersey kicked off their first match against the Islanders with an aggressive attack, applying pressure to their opponent and gaining an advantage by the end of the first period, a feat they are capable of repeating.
Prediction - New Jersey to win the first period with a handicap (0) at 2.00
