More options are listed in the expert's forecast below. A statistical assessment is not an investment recommendation. 18+
Listen
The Canadian clubs will meet outdoors on October 26 as part of the traditional Heritage Classic match. Winnipeg is not in the best shape for this event. The hosts have lost four games in a row and continue to experience serious performance problems. Montreal is also not stable, but it dealt with Chicago quite confidently in the previous match. However, the guests are forced to play without several important offensive players, including captain Nick Suzuki. In our betting tip, we will analyze how seriously personnel losses can affect the game, and select the appropriate bet
Command Analysis
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets lost to Dallas in the previous meeting with a score of 2:3 in overtime, although they had a good chance of winning for a long time. In the second period, Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor scored two goals in a short period of time and put the team ahead. However, it was not possible to maintain a minimal advantage. Two minutes before the end of regular time, Roope Hintz restored equality, and then scored a double in extra time. Goalkeeper Stuart Skinner blocked 35 shots, but it wasn't enough for a positive result.
The loss to Dallas was Winnipeg's fourth in a row. Before that, the team lost to St. Louis (1:2), Carolina (2:3) and Chicago (3:4 OT). The attack looks especially alarming, which has scored only five goals in the last three meetings. At the same time, such dangerous performers as Connor and Mark Schaifly remain in the line-up, capable of creating moments on their own. Another important event was the exchange of Connor Hellebuyck in New Jersey. In return, the club received several players, including Dawson Mercer. Such major changes may require time, which the team currently has almost none.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadians beat Chicago 4-1 in the last match, with Jake Evans becoming the real hero of the meeting. The striker scored a double and added an assist, although he had not been very effective before. Kayden Goulet and Mike Matheson, who returned to the squad after injury, also scored goals. Goalkeeper Jacob Fowler made 20 shots. It is especially important that after the first conceded goal, Montreal managed to quickly change the course of the meeting and subsequently did not allow the opponent to return to the game.
The victory over Chicago was the second for the team in the last three matches. Earlier, they managed to beat Buffalo (4-3 OT), and then lost to San Jose with a score of 3:4 in extra time. Montreal continues to be quite effective on offense, although the absence of Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov significantly complicates the situation. Both players were injured, so the partners have to take on additional responsibility. Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkowski are capable of creating dangerous moments, and Evans should also feel much more confident after his last performance.
The special atmosphere of the outdoor meeting will certainly add motivation to both teams, but the current form of the rivals looks quite different. Winnipeg has been unable to break an unsuccessful streak for too long, and the hosts' offense is not always able to create the necessary pressure. Montreal is also experiencing some difficulties, especially after Suzuki's injury, but continues to regularly score several goals. The guests have fast enough forwards who are able to take advantage of the opponent's mistakes and create an advantage by actively playing ahead.
At the same time, it is hardly worth expecting an easy victory for the Canadians. Winnipeg will certainly try to please its own fans and improve after four consecutive defeats. However, the hosts need to significantly increase their implementation in order to successfully counter the Montreal attack. The guests have more confidence now, and the last match showed that the team is able to achieve results even without several leaders. We believe that the Canadiens will be able to take advantage of the opponent's problems and take the victory, perhaps already outside of regular time.
Our prediction is that Montreal will win the match in 1.98
Liontips
