Montreal vs. Utah. NHL Match Prediction and Bets

Current form

Montreal continues its home series, which it started very successfully, and in the first match it completely crushed Columbus with a score of 5:1, which is unusual for the club, given its problems with both creating and converting moments in attack. It is difficult to even single out any of the players, since many distinguished themselves with effective actions. Few could have expected that the Canadiens would be able to consolidate this success and also confidently cope with a much more powerful opponent, in the person of Edmonton. What is especially noteworthy is that the hosts did not allow a single puck and won dry (3:0). Goalkeeper Montembeault showed an excellent game, stopping 30 shots and recording another "dry" in his career.

It might have seemed that the Canadians had picked up a great pace and that nothing could stop them, but in the match with Vegas they had to return to reality. Once again, there was a huge gap in defense, which created problems for Montreal throughout the match, and ultimately led to a 2:6 rout. Goalkeeper Montembeault was unable to show the same reliable game, and his replacement Primy showed much better, but it was too late. Even despite the points earned, the team still remains in the last line of the Eastern Conference standings, with only 16 points.

Disqualifications and injuries

Montreal infirmary remains unchanged. Laine, Price and Weedman will definitely be out of the upcoming match.

Interesting trends for betting

• On average, Montreal allows 3.7 goals per game.

The Canadians' main problem this season has been their weak defensive play.

• The Canadiens average 24.5 shots on goal per game.

What is noteworthy is that the attacking line rarely compensates for the lapses in defense, as it creates few dangerous moments in the opponent’s zone.

Current form

Utah continues its away series, in which it shows mixed results. It started away to Boston, where the team failed to score a single goal, losing dry (0:1). Once again, there were problems with scoring in the attack, and this time they managed to make only 22 shots on goal. Indeed, one of the main difficulties of the club remains its weak attack line, which does not allow it to compete equally with the strongest opponents in the league. Few could have expected that away to Pittsburgh, the debutants would leave no chance for their competitor and crush them with a score of 6:1. In particular, it is worth praising the forwards Keller and Guenther, who scored three points each. Goalkeeper Weimelka also made a significant contribution to such a successful result, not allowing the opponent to cling to a comeback.

Then the newcomers went to visit a more serious competitor, in the person of Toronto, and this time they were unable to play as effectively in the attack, losing with a minimal advantage to the opponent (2:3). The second period turned out to be a failure, Utah missed three goals in just five minutes and was unable to recover from such a blow. It is worth noting that the club first season is not going well so far and at the moment, Tourigny charges occupy only 12th place in the Western Conference table.

Disqualifications and injuries

Utah is also struggling with its roster, with three players out. Durzi, Igram and Marino are all out for the upcoming game.

Interesting trends for betting

• On average, Utah scores 2.75 goals per game.

As we have already noted, the team has problems with offensive productivity and rarely shows its attacking potential to the fullest extent.

• Utah converted just 16% of its power play attempts.

Due to weak offensive play, the team is unable to consistently take advantage of the advantage of one player on the court.