The Vegas Golden Knights (25-14-12) and Montreal Canadiens (28-17-7) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Golden Knights are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (-110 / -110). The Golden Knights are a -125 favorite to win outright, while the Canadiens are +105 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Golden Knights vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks.
Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Odds, Pick
| Golden Knights Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +195 | 6.5 -110o / -110u | -122 |
| Canadiens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -238 | 6.5 -110o / -110u | +102 |
- Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Spread: Golden Knights -1.5 (+185), Canadiens +1.5 (-250)
- Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Over/Under: 6.5 (-110 / -110)
- Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Moneyline: Golden Knights -125, Canadiens +105
Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Preview
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights sit atop the Pacific Division through the first 51 games of the season, primarily due to their dominant two-way play. This season, Vegas ranks eighth in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and first in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60).
The Golden Knights are one of just four teams to rank inside the top eight in both of those key categories. As a result, they currently sit fourth in expected goal share.
One of the primary reasons Vegas is priced as low as -125 on the moneyline is that goaltender Adin Hill is projected to start. Hill has been inconsistent this season, but the positive for Vegas is that he has historically fared well against the Montreal Canadiens.
Through seven career meetings with Montreal, Hill owns a 5-2 record.
Montreal Canadiens
Across the ice, goaltender Jakub Dobes is the confirmed starter for the Canadiens. Like Hill, Dobes has endured a turbulent season.
Through 23 appearances, the Czech netminder owns a .887 save percentage.
While the goaltending matchup may be close, the clear advantage across all three zones belongs to Vegas. Entering this contest, the Golden Knights outrank Montreal in xGF/60, xGA/60 and expected goal share.
As a result, it should not be surprising that Vegas has won seven of the past nine meetings between these teams.
Golden Knights vs. Canadiens Prediction
Aside from goaltending, another factor keeping the Knights’ price down is Montreal’s home-ice advantage. That said, Vegas’ .500 road winning percentage is not far behind the Canadiens’ .538 mark at home.
At -125, it is worth backing the more well-rounded team on the road in a matchup it has historically controlled. Montreal is 0-4 in its past four home games against Vegas.
Pick: Golden Knights Moneyline
