Montreal Canadiens vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 1/3/2025 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Montreal Canadiens vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Friday, January 3, 2025

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: Chicago Sports Network

Odds/Point Spread: Canadiens (-130) Blackhawks (+110)

The Chicago Blackhawks (12-23-2) will compete against the Montreal Canadiens (16-17-3) at United Center on Friday. The odds on this game have the Canadiens at -130 while the Blackhawks open at +110. The total has been set at 6.

The Montreal Canadiens went home feeling good about their game by earning a 5-2 win over the Lightning their last time out. Montreal accounted for 6 penalty mins in this game. The Canadiens had a solid offensive performance and it showed in the win. Moreover, they had 2 chances on the power play but weren't able to score a goal. In the game, they converted 5 out of the 37 shots they put on goal.

Get all of our NHL Picks Today

In reference to their goal scoring prowess, the Montreal Canadiens have accumulated 109 goals (19th in the league) this year and have allowed 124. For the year, they have recorded 35 points and their points % is .486. Montreal skates onto the rink with 112 power play chances and they have scored 24 goals out of those advantages, garnering them a rate of 21.43%. While at even strength, the Canadiens have conceded 102 goals while getting 85 of their own. Montreal has attempted 905 shots and is the owner of a shot percentage of 12.0%. The Canadiens have had 1,056 shots taken against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .883. Montreal Canadiens opponents have tallied 126 power play opportunities (3rd in hockey) and have earned 22 goals in those chances.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Sam Montembeault. Opponents have scored 527 goals against Montembeault in his career and his goals against average per contest is 3.92. Montembeault has taken the ice for 173 games during his NHL career. His save percentage sits at .898 in his 8,063 mins in the crease. He has amassed a record of 62-74-23 and he has gotten the start in 156 games. In his professional hockey career, Montembeault has 83 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .532. Montembeault has seen 5,179 shots against him and he has 4,652 saves.

In their last outing, Chicago opposed the Stars in a game where the Blackhawks took a loss by a mark of 5-1. They had 4 power play attempts in this outing and tallied 1 out of those chances. The Blackhawks recorded 1 goal of the 25 shots on goal they were seeking.

The Blackhawks are sitting with 72 goals at even strength and 21 goals (20th in the NHL) while on the power play. Chicago has taken 940 shots (29th in the NHL) and has earned a shooting percentage of 9.89%, while allowing their opponents 1,105 shots. So far this year, the Chicago Blackhawks have a total of 93 goals, 26 points, as well as a points percentage of .351. They have permitted 123 goals to be scored by way of 107 goals at even strength and 16 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have earned 94 opportunities on the power play and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 22.34%. They have earned a penalty kill rate of 85.45% on their opponents 110 power play chances, and their save percentage is 88.9%.

Across the rink you will find Petr Mrazek in net. Mrazek has accumulated a lifetime mark of 175-168-39 and has been in net for 412 contests. Mrazek's rate of quality starts comes out to 51.4% and he has qualified for 196 quality starting assignments in his professional career. He has accrued 10,505 stops out of the 11,586 shots tried, giving him a percentage of .907. Opponents are averaging 2.97 goals per game and he has surrendered 1,081 goals overall. He has made the start in 381 games and has racked up 21,857 minutes.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Montreal (-130)

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here