Squaring off for the second and final time this season, the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues meet at the Scottrade Center in an East-West matchup. Reseau Des Sports will broadcast the matchup, and the puck drops at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 30.
Montreal Canadiens vs. St. Louis Blues Odds
Earning moneyline bettors 2.5 units, the Blues are 30-21 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That winning percentage, ranked second in the Central Division so far this season, is fairly close to what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (46-36). Of its 51 games this season, 20 have gone under the total, while 20 have gone over and none have pushed. This year, the teams 17-10 SU at home.
St. Louis has converted on just 16.2 percent of its power play chances this season, a figure that’s ranked 26th overall in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 11th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 82.2 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, STL has been whistled for penalties just 3.5 times per game overall this season, 3.0 per game over its past five contests total, and 3.0 per game over its last five home outings. The teams had to stave off opposition power plays for just 7.6 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, overall.
Averaging 25.8 saves per game with a .909 save percentage, Jake Allen (18-18-2) has been the best goalkeeper for the Blues this season. If they decide to give him the night off, however, St. Louis could roll with Carter Hutton (13-8-8 record, .943 save percentage, 1.74 goals against average).
The Blue Notes will continue to rely on offensive production from Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko. Schenn (50 points) has tallied 21 goals and 29 assists and has recorded two or more points 12 times this year. Tarasenko has 21 goals and 25 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 30 contests.
Montreal is 20-29 straight up (SU) and has lost 12.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 49 regular season contests, 26 of its games have gone under the total, while 21 have gone over and just two have pushed. As the visiting team so far, Montreal is 8-14 SU.
Montreal has converted on 19.7 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 24th overall and it’s successfully defended 78.3 percent of all penalties.
Montreal’s skaters have been penalized 3.8 times per game this season, and 3.1 per game over their last ten contests. The team has had to kill penalties just 6.8 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Carey Price (27.6 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for Montreal. Price has 14 wins, 21 losses, and four OT losses to his credit, while registering a .905 save percentage and 3.02 goals against average this year.
Max Pacioretty (16 goals, 15 assists) and Alex Galchenyuk (12 goals, 16 assists) have been standout playmakers for Montreal and will lead the offensive counter for the visiting Canadiens.
Montreal Canadiens at St. Louis Blues Betting Predictions
Prediction: SU Winner – Blues, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- Two of Montreal’s last ten games have gone to a shootout. The team is 1-1 in those games and 2-2 overall in shootouts this season.
- The under has hit in four of St. Louis last five outings.
- Two clubs that have clobbered opposing goalies with shots, Montreal has attempted the leagues eighth-most shots on goal (33.8) while St. Louis’s attempted the eighth-most (33.5).
- This game features two of the more physical teams in the league. Montreal skaters have accounted for the leagues second-most hits per game (25.6) while the Blues have tallied the 11th-most (22.2).
