The Canadiens and Rangers are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Rangers will host the game at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 6 goals, and the Rangers are -1.5 goal favorite to win at home against the Canadiens. If you’re interested in placing a wager, you can bet this game at FanDuel.
Montreal Canadiens Preview
As the 13th place team in the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens have struggled to find consistency this season. Their record of 22-23-8 has them in 6th place in the Atlantic Division, and they have gone 4-11 against division opponents. On the road, Montreal has gone 11-9-5 this year and are currently on a two-game losing streak as the underdog.
Over their last ten games, the Canadiens have gone 4-6, and they are 1-2 in their last three games. As the underdog, Montreal has gone 18-22-8 this season, and they have been the underdog in 48 of their 53 games. In games against Eastern Conference opponents, the Canadiens have gone 12-16 this year.
When looking at their offense, the Canadiens have an average of 2.8 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 26th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 27th in the league. This season, the Canadiens have a 5-3 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. In games with fewer shots on goal, they hold a 17-19 record.
Entering the game, goalie Sam Montembeault has started 24 games this season. His current record stands at 12-8, and his save percentage is 0.769%.
New York Rangers Preview
At home this season, the Rangers have been very tough to beat, as their record of 18-7-0 indicates. Overall, New York has won five straight games and has gone 5-0 in their last five games.
For the season, the Rangers have gone 34-16-3 and are in first place in the Metropolitan Division. In games against other Eastern Conference teams, New York has gone 17-9.
Offensively, the Rangers come into the game at 3.2 goals per contest placing 12th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are in 9th position in the league. This season, the Rangers have a 24-11 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. In games with fewer shots on goal, they hold a 10-4 record.
Entering the game, goalie Igor Shesterkin has started 34 games this season. His current record stands at 21-12, and his save percentage is 0.865%.
Head to head, the Canadiens and Rangers split their three head-to-head to matchups. The puck line favored the Rangers in these contests, with a 3-0-3 record.
Head to head, the Canadiens and Rangers split their three head-to-head to matchups. The puck line favored the Rangers in these contests, with a 3-0-3 record.
How to Bet Rangers vs. Canadiens in New York
My recommended pick for the puck line is to take the Canadiens to cover. Even if the Rangers win straight-up, this one should be close throughout and the Canadiens should cover the puck line. For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.
- SportsBettingNY Puck Line Prediction: Canadiens +1.5
- SportsBettingNY OU Prediction: Over 6