Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/14/2024 7:30 PM EST
We have your Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Pittsburgh Penguins hit the road to face the Montreal Canadiens.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Pittsburgh Penguins -130 (DraftKings) / Montreal Canadiens +112 (FanDuel)
Best Puck Line Odds: 1.5 - Pittsburgh Penguins +185 (Caesars) / Montreal Canadiens -225 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 6.0 - Under +102 (DraftKings) / Over -122 (DraftKings)
Game Info
Date: 10/14/2024
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Bell Centre (Montreal, QC)
TV: ESPN+
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the past two seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens have faced off three times, with the Penguins emerging victorious in all three encounters. The games were played between December 2023 and February 2024. In these matchups, the home team won twice, while the visiting team secured a single victory. The Penguins managed to cover the spread once, whereas the Canadiens covered it twice. The games saw the total score go over the set line once and under twice. Across these games, the Penguins demonstrated a consistent edge over the Canadiens, both in terms of outright victories and in their ability to manage the spread.
The most recent game between these two teams took place on February 22, 2024, with the Penguins defeating the Canadiens 4-1. The game saw the Penguins as the home team and favorites, with a closing moneyline of -310 compared to the Canadiens' +243. Pittsburgh's Kris Letang was a standout performer, scoring two goals, while Bryan Rust and Drew O'Connor each added a goal. The Penguins' power play was effective, converting one of their two opportunities, while the Canadiens failed to capitalize on any of their three power play chances. The Penguins also had a slight edge in faceoff wins, securing 51.9% of them. Despite being outshot 31 to 27, the Penguins' goaltender, Tristan Jarry, delivered a strong performance with a save percentage of 0.968.
In the other two games, the Penguins continued their dominance. On January 27, 2024, they won 3-2 in overtime, with the game going under the total score line. The Penguins were the home favorites with a moneyline of -225. Earlier, on December 13, 2023, the Penguins secured a 4-3 victory in Montreal, with the game going over the total score line. In this matchup, the Penguins were the visiting favorites with a moneyline of -146. Across these games, the Penguins consistently demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, both at home and on the road, while the Canadiens struggled to find a winning formula against them.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at the Bell Centre. The Penguins, who have historically had the upper hand in recent encounters, are looking to bounce back from a mixed start to their season. With a record of 1-2-0, Pittsburgh is eager to end their road trip on a high note after a tough 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite the early struggles, the Penguins have shown resilience, with Evgeni Malkin leading the charge. Malkin, who recently reached the 1,300-point milestone, is just two goals shy of joining the elite 500-goal club, a feat that would further cement his legacy alongside teammate Sidney Crosby.
On the other side, the Montreal Canadiens are riding a wave of early-season optimism. With a 2-1-0 record, the Canadiens have been buoyed by the stellar performances of goaltender Samuel Montembeault and the offensive prowess of Cole Caufield. Montembeault has been a revelation, boasting a .986 save percentage, while Caufield has been on a scoring spree, netting four goals in the first three games. The Canadiens' power play, which was a concern during the preseason, has shown signs of improvement, currently operating at a 20% success rate.
As the Penguins and Canadiens prepare to clash, the game is set against the backdrop of individual milestones and team dynamics. Sidney Crosby is on the cusp of becoming the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 points, while Malkin's pursuit of 500 goals adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Canadiens, meanwhile, are eager to prove that their early success is no fluke, with young talents like Lane Hutson making significant contributions. With both teams possessing potent offensive weapons and a history of closely contested games, fans can expect an exciting and high-scoring affair.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens Pick: Total Goals Over
As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens, the potential for a high-scoring game is evident. Both teams have shown offensive prowess early in the season, with key players poised to make significant impacts. The Penguins, despite their mixed start, have a potent lineup led by Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Malkin, in particular, is on the brink of a major milestone, needing just two goals to reach the 500-goal mark. His recent form, including a team-high four assists, suggests he is in the mood to deliver on the big stage. Crosby, too, is on the cusp of history, just one point away from becoming the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 points. These individual pursuits are likely to fuel Pittsburgh's offensive output.
On the other side, the Canadiens have been buoyed by the early-season form of Cole Caufield, who has already netted four goals in three games. His ability to find the back of the net against elite goaltenders adds to the expectation of a high-scoring affair. Additionally, the Canadiens' power play, which has improved to a 20% success rate, could exploit any lapses in the Penguins' defense. The Canadiens' recent 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators showcased their offensive capabilities, with young talents like Lane Hutson contributing significantly.
Historically, games between these two teams have seen fluctuating scorelines, but the current form and individual milestones suggest an offensive showcase. The Penguins' recent encounters with the Canadiens have often been closely contested, with the potential for goals on both sides. Given the offensive firepower on display and the stakes involved for key players, betting on the total goals to go over seems a prudent choice. Fans can expect an exciting matchup with plenty of scoring opportunities as both teams look to assert their dominance early in the season.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens Top Player Prop Picks
Evgeni Malkin Over 2.5 Shots On Goal 100 (BetRivers)
Evgeni Malkin is on the brink of a significant milestone, needing just two goals to reach the 500-goal mark in his illustrious NHL career. This pursuit is likely to fuel his offensive output against the Montreal Canadiens. Malkin has been in excellent form, leading the Penguins with four assists in the early part of the season. His recent performances have been characterized by a high level of involvement in Pittsburgh's offensive plays, making the over on 2.5 shots on goal an attractive proposition. Given his history against the Canadiens, where he has accumulated 61 points in 49 games, Malkin is poised to be a central figure in the Penguins' attack, making this prop a compelling choice.
Cole Caufield Over 3.5 Shots On Goal -105 (DraftKings)
Cole Caufield has been a standout performer for the Montreal Canadiens, netting four goals in the first three games of the season. His ability to find the back of the net against top-tier goaltenders has been a key factor in Montreal's early success. Caufield's offensive prowess is underscored by his knack for getting into scoring positions, which is reflected in his shot volume. With the Canadiens' power play showing signs of improvement, currently operating at a 20% success rate, Caufield is likely to see ample opportunities to test the Penguins' defense. His current form and the Canadiens' reliance on his scoring ability make the over on 3.5 shots on goal a strong pick.
Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 Assists -120 (BetMGM)
Sidney Crosby is on the verge of becoming the 10th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 career points, needing just one more to achieve this milestone. Known for his playmaking abilities, Crosby has already recorded three assists in the Penguins' first three games. His chemistry with Evgeni Malkin and the rest of the Penguins' offensive unit is well-documented, and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates is unmatched. As the Penguins look to bounce back from a mixed start to the season, Crosby's role as a facilitator will be crucial. With the Canadiens' defense likely to focus on containing him, Crosby's vision and passing skills should lead to at least one assist, making this prop a solid choice.