Shea Weber will make his emotional return to the Music City this evening to take on his former team for the first time since his controversial departure to Montreal. P.K. Subban’s new team has been on the winning side of this matchup three straight times but has been the poorer of the two teams since the Habs and Preds swapped blue-liners and will have to do without Subban’s services tonight as he’s out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.
- The Predators are 2-7 in their last 9 games as favorite.
- The total has gone OVER in the Canadiens' last 3 games with a closing total of 5.
- The Canadiens are 2-8 in their last 10 games as road underdogs.
Montreal may still have a six-point cushion at the top of the Atlantic Division but that lead could quickly dissolve if the Habs keep up the play that’s seen them drop four of their last five games. Carey Price has been one of the main culprits during the skid as he’s allowed three or more goals in each of his last three starts.
Both teams have had sufficient rest since their last games and will want to get their new year started in the right direction. Nashville had an extremely disappointing first half of the season but has the talent to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Expect a ton of rubber to make it to the net tonight as these teams both reside in the top five in five-on-five shots per 60 minutes. Considering how the goalies have been playing of late, it feels like more than a few pucks could make their way across the goal-line.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Nashville Predators were listed earlier today as -130 moneyline favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by Odds Shark (including Sportsbook), while odds makers set the Sportsbook betting total around 5.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 3-2.5 win for the Predators. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Montreal Canadiens vs Nashville Predators Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Montreal Canadiens have seen them go 22-9-6 so far this season, while the Predators are at 16-14-6. In totals betting, the Nashville Predators are 17-15-4, while the Canadiens are 15-15-7. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Nashville vs Montreal injuries news.
The Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings have the Nashville Predators at No. 16 and the Montreal Canadiens at No. 11 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Nashville's No. 12-ranked offense, averaging 2.83 goals per game, against a Canadiens defense that ranks No. 5 at 2.32 goals allowed. The Predators power play is averaging 20.33% while the Canadiens defense kills off 81.02% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Canadiens were a 4-3 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Penguins. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Pittsburgh at -163 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for OVER bettors.
Nashville won its last outing, a 4-0 result against the Blues on December 30. Bettors who backed the Predators at +140 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (4) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.
- Montreal is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
- Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games
- Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
- Nashville is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games
- Nashville is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
- Nashville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
- Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
Next Betting Matchups
Montreal at Dallas, Wednesday, January 4th
Nashville at Tampa Bay, Thursday, January 5th
