The Montreal Canadiens got back in the win column Tuesday night, picking up a 4-3 victory in San Jose, and now face the Los Angeles Kings tonight at crypto.com Arena.
My Canadiens vs. Kings predictions see Montreal looking to bottle things up in the second leg of a back-to-back, leading to a low-scoring affair.
Let’s take a closer look with my NHL picks for this 10:30 p.m. ET puck drop on Wednesday, February 5.
Canadiens vs Kings prediction
My Canadiens pick
Under 5.5 (+100 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
The Montreal Canadiens have played very low-event hockey of late. Three of their past four games have gone Under the number, with last night’s 4-3 win over the 32nd-ranked San Jose Sharks serving as the lone exception.
That’s not a coincidence. The offense has dried up for the Canadiens and they’ve tried to tighten the defensive screws to compensate.
Montreal has generated low shot totals of 25, 19, 23, and 20 over the past four games, sucking the volume out of opposing offenses along the way, allowing more than 26 shots just once in that span.
With so few shots flying in both directions, the offensive floor and ceiling of each game drop.
I wouldn’t expect any different against the Los Angeles Kings. They rank 31st in 5-on-5 pace on the season and are as stout defensively as any team in the league.
Nobody has done a better job at limiting shots or expected goals than the Kings, and they will likely limit a Canadiens offense that ranks 20th in goals and 23rd in shot share at 5-on-5 over the past 10 games.
On the flip side, the Kings rank 28th in 5-on-5 goals and 24th in power-play goals during that same period. They are not exactly lighting up the scoreboard, having potted more than two goals only once over the last eight games.
In a road back-to-back, the Canadiens are likely to rely on their structure to limit the shots and try to hang around in the game as long as possible.
If Jakub Dobes — who owns a 5-1-1 record and .927 save percentage through seven NHL starts — can help limit a Kings offense struggling to finish, there shouldn’t be much offense in this one.
Canadiens vs Kings same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 5.5
Nick Suzuki Over 1.5 shots
Canadiens +2.5
Nick Suzuki has recorded multiple shots in 64% of his games this season, including 62%. His line draws the toughest competition each night whether on the road or at home so the game location doesn’t affect him the way it does a lot of players.
Although the Kings are an excellent defensive side, they have conceded a decent chunk of volume to centers of late. Only seven teams have allowed more shots to the position over the past 10 games.
Suzuki also recorded two shots against the Kings in their meeting earlier this season.
The Kings have struggled offensively in 2025. Their last win by 3+ goals came on January 16 against the Canucks in a game where they generated only 21 shots. Thatcher Demko simply had a tough night in net, posting a .726 save percentage.
If this game is to stay Under 5.5 goals, there’s a good chance the Canadiens can keep it close on the scoreboard.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Kings odds
Canadiens vs Kings live odds
Canadiens vs Kings opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +200 | Los Angeles -245
- Moneyline: Montreal +1.5 (-125) | Los Angeles -1.5 (+105)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Canadiens vs Kings trend
Eight of the past 10 head-to-head meetings between Montreal and Los Angeles have gone Under. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Kings.
How to watch Canadiens vs Kings
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Wednesday, 2-5-2025 |
| Puck drop | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN2 |
Canadiens vs Kings latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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