Patrik Laine has been one of the league’s best stories this season. He's been a prolific offensive player for the Montreal Canadiens, scoring eight goals over his first nine games while igniting the fanbase along the way.
My Canadiens vs. Blue Jackets predictions see Laine continuing to build on the success against his former team.
Let’s take a closer look with my NHL picks for December 23.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets prediction
My Canadiens pick
Patrik Laine Over 0.5 points (-125 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
Patrik Laine has hit the ground running with the Montreal Canadiens, piling up eight goals and nine points over his first nine games with his new club.
Laine’s impact has been most profound on the power play. He's already notched eight points on the man advantage, leading the team in power-play goals for the season and sitting just three points behind the team lead.
The Canadiens have scored eight goals on the power play over the last nine games, which is sixth most in the NHL. It’s been Laine driving the bus.
He's made the Canadiens into a legitimate threat on the PP, which bodes well heading into a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
They've struggled to kill penalties all season long, ranking 19th in shot suppression and 27th in goals against. They’re giving up a healthy amount of volume, and they just don’t have the goaltending to get saves.
While Laine is clearly most impactful on the power play, and there’s a good chance any production comes in that situation, I prefer the safety of backing him to hit the scoresheet in any game.
The Blue Jackets have conceded 5-on-5 goals at the seventh-highest rate, and things are trending further downward. Over the last 10 games, no team has given up expected goals at a higher clip, while only two teams have allowed more 5-on-5 shots.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets same-game parlay (SGP)
Patrik Laine Over 0.5
Patrik Laine Over 2.5 shots
Over 5.5
Laine is ripping the puck like there’s no tomorrow. He's piled up 21 shots over the last four games and generated very strong volume as a whole. Laine has attempted at least eight shots in three of the last four.
Scoring goals at will should only give Laine more confidence and incentive to continue shooting the puck. Not to mention, the matchup is pretty good too. The Blue Jackets rank 30th in 5-on-5 shots against over the last 10 games, and their penalty kill has struggled all season long.
Win or lose, the goals should be flowing in this game. The Canadiens allow 3.55 goals per game on average, while the Blue Jackets have given up 3.62.
Both teams are prone to playing in high-event affairs and there’s no reason to expect different tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Blue Jackets odds
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets live odds
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-208) | Columbus -1.5 (+177)
- Moneyline: Montreal +120 | Columbus -135
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-103) | Under 6.5 (-111)
Odds courtesy of BET99.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets trend
Patrik Laine has at least three shots in six of his last eight games. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Blue Jackets.
How to watch Canadiens vs Blue Jackets
| Location: | Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date: | Monday, 12-23-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN2 |
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
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