The Montreal Canadiens head to Hockeytown, USA to take on the Red Wings tonight for an Atlantic Division battle.
The Canadiens will look to end their three-game losing streak against the Red Wings, who are 3rd in the Atlantic. The Wings are 4-2-1 at home this season, while the Habs are 1-2-2 on the road. Detroit’s money line at –176 seems pretty safe.
While the Red Wings have been stringing together wins throughout the season so far, their goaltending hasn’t been as sound as they’d like. Projected starter Ville Husso currently sports a 0.890 SV% so the Habs may be able to add to their average of 3 goals per game.
The Canadiens on the other hand have some decent save percentages across their goalies. Jake Allen is sporting a 0.910 SV% through six games, Sam Montembault has a 0.902 SV%, and Cayden Primeau has started one game so far, and has a 0.879 SV%. However, each of them do have a GAA over 3.00 – the Habs just let a lot of shots through.
Neither team can really keep the puck out of their own net, and the Red Wings are averaging over 3 goals per game; the over/under for 6.5 total goals is +104 right now on BetRegal.ca.
Larkin and DeBrincat Shots on Goal over/under: 3.5
Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat have really clicked this season, and have combined for 31 points so far this season. Both are in the top 20 for shots as well: Larkin has 46, and DeBrincat has 44. Both player’s over/under shots on goal are set at 3.5
Eclipsing both Larkin and DeBrincat in shots is Cole Caufield who has put up 49 already this season, for an average of just over 4 per game. His over/under on BetRegal.ca is also set at 3.5.
DeBrincat Total Goals: 0.5
DeBrincat is also shooting over 20% on the season, and while that will eventually slow down, their chance of him scoring a goal against a Habs’ team giving up a league-high 34.92 shots per game.
A couple of years ago, this matchup would have been the battle of the basement dwellers. However, Detroit has stepped their game up this season, and looks to continue to roll against the Habs. The Red Wings are 7-3 in their last 10 games against Montreal. The Habs are +149 underdogs.
