Friday’s NHL nightcap features the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Montreal Canadiens in what is slated to be a competitive affair.
These two teams squared off earlier this season, with Montreal claiming a 3-2 victory on home ice as short favorites in the NHL odds on October 14.
Will Chicago get its revenge at the United Center, or can the Habs move to 2-0 against the Hawks this season? Find out in our free NHL picks for Canadiens vs. Blackhawks on Friday, December 22.
Canadiens vs Blackhawks odds
Canadiens vs Blackhawks predictions
The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off a massive 3-2 upset over the Colorado Avalanche, a game in which forward Lukas Reichel found the back of the net. It is no coincidence that Reichel scoring and a win went hand-in-hand.
He is one of the team’s most talented forwards but played terribly to begin the season. However, something switched in that game against the Avs. He was playing much more confidently, and it was by far his best effort of the campaign.
It is also not a coincidence that his offensive efficiency exponentially increased as he moved up to the first line to play alongside Connor Bedard. While Bedard’s shot is obviously his most dangerous attribute, his excellent playmaking has flown under the radar.
At a massive price of +360, it is worth taking a shot on the Lukas Reichel odds to build upon that last outing and find the twine once again. It will help that he is facing one of the worst bluelines in hockey.
The Montreal Canadiens rank 24th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5. While they have struggled at even-strength, the penalty kill has not been any stronger as the Habs rank 28th in penalty kill percentage.
That is a particularly troubling ranking for a team that also ranks 24th in penalty minutes taken. Backing up this defensively-poor lineup is goaltender Jake Allen, who has been mediocre this season with a .904 SV% and a 3.43 GAA to go along with his 4-6-2 record.
My best bet: Lukas Reichel anytime goal (+360 at SIA)
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Canadiens vs Blackhawks same-game parlay
Lukas Reichel anytime goal
Blackhawks moneyline
This game is one of those rare occasions where the Hawks are actually in a good spot, which is why oddsmakers have them as the favorites for the first time all season. There are numerous reasons to like Chicago here.
First, it is more rested as Montreal enters this contest on the second half of a back-to-back, while the Blackhawks have not played since Tuesday.
Second, home ice on a Friday night will give the team a bit of an extra spark in this game, especially coming off Tuesday’s big upset victory at the United Center. Finally, they will have the goaltender advantage as Petr Mrazek is slated to start between the pipes.
Through 20 appearances in the crease, Mrazek boasts a .909 SV% and a 3.04 GAA. Eight of Chicago’s 10 wins this season have come when he started.
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Canadiens vs Blackhawks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Blackhawks opened as a -115 favorite and remain at that price as of Friday morning. I do think if the market moves this line at all, it will go in Montreal’s direction given how poorly Chicago has played this year.
That brings us to the total, which opened at 6.5 and also remains at that number. I do not think we will see much movement in this market, given how both of these offenses and defenses are well below-average, while Allen is not the most trustworthy goaltender.
However, it is worth noting that the Under is a perfect 10-0 in the past 10 meetings between these two teams.
Canadiens vs Blackhawks betting trend to know
While Chicago has only hit the moneyline in 29 of its past 82 games, you would be up +11.75 units over that stretch. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Blackhawks.
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Canadiens vs Blackhawks game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Friday, December 22, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCSCH, RDS |
Canadiens vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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