The red-hot Montreal Canadiens, who have won six of the last seven games, will attempt to keep the good times going Friday night in Chicago.
My Canadiens vs. Blackhawks predictions see emerging star blueliner Lane Hutson getting back on the scoresheet against a vulnerable defensive side.
Let’s take a closer look with my NHL picks for January 3.
Canadiens vs Blackhawks prediction
My Canadiens pick
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points (-120 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
Lane Hutson has been one of the most prolific offensive defensemen in the sport the past month and change.
He has registered 15 points over his last 16 games played, hitting the scoresheet in 12 of them. Hutson enters play on a three-game pointless drought but that coincided with a massive step-up in quality of competition.
The Montreal Canadiens played their last three games against Florida, Tampa Bay, and Vegas – all of which on the road.
That’s a battle with the defending Stanley Cup champions, a quality Lightning squad in a back-to-back situation, and a lethal Golden Knights team that owns a 16-4 record on home ice; hardly an ideal string of games for creating offense.
Hutson finds himself in a much more favorable spot Friday night vs. the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have dropped five consecutive games and allowed 37 goals over the last 10.
They simply can’t keep the puck out of their net and that is unlikely to change in this one. Montreal has really found a nice groove offensively, scoring 31 goals over the past seven games. That’s nearly 4.5 per game.
Montreal has won Hutson’s 5v5 minutes 9-4 during this stretch, which is the best differential on the team. He also quarterbacks a power play that has shown a lot of life since Patrik Laine entered the fray.
Look for Hutson to make the most of an advantageous matchup and break the longest pointless streak we’ve seen from him since mid-October.
Canadiens vs Blackhawks same-game parlay (SGP)
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points
Cole Caufield Over 0.5 points
Seth Jones Under 2.5 shots
Cole Caufield has been very consistent for the Canadiens. He has points in 68% of his games this season and 72% of road dates, showing he can still be remarkably productive even when opponents get their best personnel on the ice against him.
The Blackhawks are bleeding goals right now and should struggle mightily to slow down Caufield in all situations. The Canadiens own a 57% shot share during Caufield’s 5v5 minutes the past seven games and everyone knows how dangerous he is on the power play.
It’s also worth noting Caufield has hit the scoresheet in 76% of Montreal’s wins this season and they are road favorites in Chicago.
Seth Jones has averaged just 1.7 shots on target per game over his last 10, clearing 2.5 shots only twice.
The Canadiens rank Top-12 in shot suppression over the last 10 games and have been a mid-tier team at preventing shots to defensemen.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Blackhawks odds
Canadiens vs Blackhawks live odds
Canadiens vs Blackhawks opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal -125 | Chicago +111
- Moneyline: Montreal -1.5 (+201) | Chicago +1.5 (-239)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-104) | Under 6 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Canadiens vs Blackhawks trend
Lane Hutson in 10 of 18 road games this season (56%). Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Blackhawks. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Blackhawks.
How to watch Canadiens vs Blackhawks
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Friday, 1-3-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN2 |
Canadiens vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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