New Jersey vs. Montreal: NHL Match Prediction
In the NHL Championship on November 8, a match between New Jersey and Montreal will take place. The Devils have been performing excellently since the start of the season, and it's no surprise they are the favorites in this matchup. The Canadiens are currently in poor form, suffering a four-game losing streak. But is it worth betting on the Devils' success at the odds offered by the bookmakers? Find out in our prediction.
Match announcement
New Jersey Devils
Current Form
New Jersey ranks among the top three in the Eastern Conference, accumulating a total of 18 points. Recently, the team faced a four-game losing streak and struggled to find their rhythm. However, they bounced back, securing victories in three out of four matches. At home, the Devils defeated Anaheim (6-2), triumphed over Vancouver on the road (6-0), and after a setback against Calgary (0-3), they confidently overcame Edmonton with a 3-0 score. Notably, in two of these four games, the club managed to keep a clean sheet, which is quite uncharacteristic given their style of play.
It's worth highlighting that Sheldon Keefe's squad is currently the most prolific in the league, averaging at least three to four goals per game. Additionally, the team excels in power play, ranking fourth in the league with a 30.4% conversion rate. The Devils' offensive versatility is due to their skilled forwards, capable of taking charge at any moment. Typically, New Jersey performs best in the second period, where they find more space and have a 23:13 goal differential.
Suspensions and Injuries
Lazar and Bastian will miss this match due to injuries.
Interesting Betting Trends
- On average, New Jersey receives 9.73 penalty minutes.
The Devils struggle with discipline, often incurring five penalties per game.
- Statistically, the Devils take 30 shots on goal.
The Devils excel in offense, aiming to shoot from any position.
Montreal Canadiens
Current Form
Montreal is positioned second to last in the Eastern Conference with only ten points. This season is proving to be more challenging for the team than the last. They are currently on a four-game losing streak. Previously, they lost at home to Seattle (2-8), were defeated away by Washington (3-6) and Pittsburgh (1-3), and upon returning home, they couldn't overcome Calgary, losing 2-3 in overtime. It's worth noting that since the start of the season, the club has shown weak defensive play, often allowing opponents to score at least four goals.
Interestingly, the team performs well in penalty killing, currently neutralizing 82.2% of power plays, ranking them relatively high in this aspect. Typically, the Tricolors are most reliable in the second period, knowing how to play effectively, but they often allow opponents to gain the upper hand in the first and third periods. It's also important to note that Montreal has a weak goaltending lineup this year, which is why Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau alternate games, with a similar number of goals conceded.
Suspensions and Injuries
Price, Wideman, Laine, and Arve-Pinar will not play due to injuries
Interesting Betting Trends
- Montreal averages 24 shots per game
The club is one of the lowest shooting teams in the league and usually spends most of the time on defense
- The Canadiens have a 10:19 goal differential in the third period
The team performs poorly in the final twenty minutes and generally loses in this period
Trends
Bet 1st Period: Total Under 1.5 Goals
In the last four matches involving the hosts, the first period was low-scoring
2.10Bet 3rd Period: Home Team Win
In three out of five games, the hosts secured victory in the third period
1.82Tip and bets
We believe New Jersey has a strong chance to win this matchup. The Devils are in excellent form, having celebrated success in most of their recent games, while Montreal continues on a losing streak. Additionally, the visitors face significant roster issues with several key players missing. Notably, many head-to-head matchups between these teams have also ended in favor of the home side. Considering the current difference in class and quality of play, we suggest betting on a Devils victory.
Prediction - New Jersey to win with an Asian handicap (-1.5) on goals at 1.82
Bet on Individual Total
Montreal remains one of the most conceding teams in the league at the moment. New Jersey, on the other hand, ranks first in the East for goals scored. In previous encounters with the tricolors, the hosts often showed good scoring ability, breaking through the opponent's defense more than three times. In the upcoming clash, the Devils are likely to have plenty of scoring opportunities, and with their excellent finishing, Keefe's squad should net at least four goals.
Take New Jersey's individual total over 3.5 goals at 1.69
Bet on Overall Total
Many past meetings between the clubs have been exciting, featuring a high number of goals. New Jersey remains the most prolific team in the conference, often playing end-to-end matches. Montreal will also need to adapt to their opponent and seek their chances on counterattacks. We believe that in this matchup, we will see at least seven goals scored.
Bet on total over 6.5 goals at 2.15