Montreal vs. Pittsburgh. NHL Match Prediction and Bets

Current form

Montreal has recovered from a very long slump and now practically does not lose. However, it is worth noting that the club is able to achieve successful results thanks to its home walls. In the first match, the team met with the Islanders and with great difficulty snatched victory in overtime with a score of 2:1. They managed to achieve success mainly due to the efforts of goalkeeper Montembeault, who reflected 30 shots out of 31. The team was able to consolidate its success in a duel with another league outsider, Nashville, defeating the Predators dry. This time, Montembeault played even better and did not allow the opponent to realize itself in the attack at all. Also, one cannot fail to mention forward Evanson, who scored a puck and gave an assist.

Continuing to play at home, the Canadiens fought the clear favorite, Washington, and this time suffered an expected defeat (2:4), as they were unable to contain the pressure of the Eastern Conference leader. The Canadians were able to rehabilitate themselves in front of the fans in the match with Anaheim, snatching a hard-fought victory in a shootout (3:2). Even despite the points they have earned, the club continues to remain in last place in the Western Conference standings, with only 25 points.

Disqualifications and injuries

Montreal currently has only two players in the infirmary: Widman and Price.

Interesting trends for betting

• On average, Montreal allows 3.6 goals per game.

The Canadians have had serious problems in defense this season and often concede a large number of goals.

• The Canadiens average 11 penalty minutes per game.

The team also cannot boast of good discipline and consistently violates the rules.

Current form

Pittsburgh had been in great shape for a long time and managed to earn a winning streak of four games in a row, but it was interrupted away to the Rangers. The team could not contain the pressure of the clear favorite, suffering a 2:4 defeat. Goalie Nedeljkovic did not show his best, reflecting only 87% of the shots. Returning to the home arena, the Penguins again showed their attacking potential to the fullest, which allowed them to crush Toronto (5:2). It is difficult to even single out any of the players, since many distinguished themselves with effective actions. It is also worth praising the defensive line, which confidently dealt with almost all of the Maple Leafs' attacks, and as a result, allowed the opponent to make only 27 shots at their goal.

It seemed that the Penguins would also be able to give a worthy rebuff to Colorado, but this did not happen. Once again, the defense failed, and as a result, they had to let in six goals and lose with a score of 2:6. Goalie Jarry showed a terrible game, reflecting only 80% of the shots. Still, due to the winning streak and a large number of points scored, the club was able to rise to 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings, and the gap from the playoff zone is currently only two points.

Disqualifications and injuries

Washington currently has four players in the infirmary: Ovechkin, Bastrom, Milano and T.J. Oshie.

Interesting trends for betting

• On average, Pittsburgh allows 3.9 goals per game.

The team continues to experience huge problems in defense and is not always able to compensate for this deficiency through the attacking line.

• The Penguins are averaging seven penalty minutes per game.

However, the team can boast of good discipline, which allows them to remain at full strength throughout almost the entire match.