Pittsburgh Penguins (11-12-3) vs. Montreal Canadiens (12-12-3)
As the NHL season continues its exciting journey, the upcoming matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens is drawing significant attention from fans and bettors alike. Scheduled for Wednesday, this regular-season clash features two teams with remarkably similar records. The Penguins, with an 11-12-3 standing, are set to take on the Canadiens, who have an almost identical 12-12-3 record. As part of your daily NHL picks, this game, set to unfold at the famed Bell Centre, promises to be a thrilling encounter in the heart of Montreal.
The Penguins offense, led by Jake Guentzel, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, has struggled to find consistency this season. Scoring only 2.73 goals per game, good for 22nd in the league, their biggest obstacle will be solving Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault. The Canadiens allow the 6th most goals against per game at 3.44. If the Penguins’ stars can take advantage, they should be able to put some pucks in the net.
The Canadiens own offense hasn’t fared much better, scoring only 2.74 goals per game. Their top performers Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Mike Matheson will look to break through against Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry. While boasting a respectable 2.48 GAA, Jarry has struggled in the win column with only 8 wins in 20 starts. If the Habs can pepper him with shots, they should be able to notch a few goals.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Bell Centre |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Tristan Jarry vs. Goaltender Sam Montembeault
Tristan Jarry holds a less than stellar 8-10-2 record for the Penguins this season after being handed the full-time starting job. His 2.48 GAA sits right around league average, while his .918 save percentage indicates he hasn’t gotten much defensive support. The Canadiens offense shouldn’t pose too stiff of a test for Jarry, as they rank near the bottom third in scoring. Look for Jarry to have a bounce-back performance if his team can possess the puck.
Sam Montembeault assumed the starting role for Montreal after injuries decimated their goalie depth chart. He’s posted decent numbers with a 6-4-1 record along with a .912 save percentage. However, his high 2.78 GAA illustrates his struggles with consistency. Montembeault hasn’t inspired much confidence behind the porous Canadiens defense. The Penguins offense should be able to exploit this matchup to their advantage. If given enough scoring chances, they should convert at a high clip.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds for this matchup are TBD, it’s essential to consider both teams’ recent performances and head-to-head history. Once the odds are released, they will provide a clearer picture of the favorites and underdogs. Bettors should watch for updates on the moneyline and total odds to make informed decisions.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Trends
The Penguins are 1-4 straight up and against the spread over their last five contests. They’ve struggled mightily to gain any momentum, hampered by injuries and defensive lapses. However, they play significantly better on the road with a 6-8 ATS record away from Pittsburgh. The under has hit in four of their previous five matchups. With both offenses scuffling lately, another low-scoring affair could transpire.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Trends
Montreal comes into tonight’s game at 3-2 straight up and 2-3 ATS over their previous five outings. The over has hit in two of those contests. For the season, they hold an impressive 8-4 ATS record on home ice, covering over 60% of their Bell Centre matchups. They also play in higher scoring games in Montreal, with the over hitting in eight of their fifteen home tilts. Against the Penguins’ sagging offense, their home cover trend seems likely to continue.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens 12/13/23 Betting Picks
Considering the teams’ recent forms, individual player performances, and goaltending capabilities, this game is poised to be a closely contested affair. The Penguins, despite their struggles, have the experience and skill to take on any challenge. The Canadiens, with their resilient and often surprising play, cannot be underestimated.
In terms of betting, the safer pick seems to lean towards the team that shows greater consistency in their game. Prop bets, over/under, and individual player performances should also be considered for those looking into best live betting opportunities.
