The Montreal Canadiens conclude their five-game home stand tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre. They look to build on a much-improved run of play that has helped them to a respectable 6-4-1 record over their last 11 games.
My Penguins vs. Canadiens predictions see Montreal’s top weapons making plenty of noise against a struggling defense.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for Thursday, December 12 with the puck set to drop at 7 p.m. ET on TSN2.
Canadiens vs Penguins prediction
My Canadiens pick
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points (-110 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson is having a very impressive rookie season. He has piled up 19 points through 28 games, good for a 56-point pace — remarkable production for a 20-year-old blueliner getting his first taste of the NHL.
Hutson has taken things up another notch of late, hitting the scoresheet at least once in seven consecutive games, including against quality teams like the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals.
He finds himself in a nice matchup to extend his point streak against the Pittsburgh Penguins. They have not been able to keep the puck out of the net this season, allowing a ridiculous 3.8 goals per game — dead last in the NHL.
While goaltending has not helped their cause, that is far from the only problem. The Penguins rank 30th in shots allowed per game and near the bottom of the league in expected goals against. They are not making life easy on their goaltenders.
Hutson’s usage should put him in a good spot to take advantage. He will play a lot of minutes alongside Montreal's top players.
Hutson spends a healthy chunk of his 5-on-5 ice time behind the Canadiens’ top line. That means he’ll often share the ice with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield at even strength, which will help bring out his offensive ceiling — especially in such a good matchup.
Hutson also quarterbacks a dangerous-looking power play that now features two lethal shooters in Caufield and Patrik Laine. When he distributes the puck, there’s a good chance it’ll end up in the back of the net.
Canadiens vs Penguins same-game parlay (SGP)
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points
Cole Caufield Over 0.5 points
Cole Caufield Over 2.5 shots on goal
Caufield is playing his best hockey of the season back on the top line with Suzuki. He has nine points over his last seven games, over which time he’s found the back of the net five times. He is filling the net.
Caufield skates with Suzuki and Alex Newhook on a top line that has been nothing short of terrific. They have controlled 59% of the shot attempts and helped the Canadiens score more than four goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play. Terrific production.
As mentioned, Caufield often shares the ice with Hutson — be it at 5-on-5 or on the power play. The two correlate nicely as a result.
Caufield’s shot prop also pops off the page in this matchup. Caufield has cleared 2.5 shots in six of his past eight games and his attempt volume is on the rise.
He has a great chance of building on that against a high-event Penguins team that continues to bleed shots.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Penguins odds
Canadiens vs Penguins live odds
Canadiens vs Penguins opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-249) | Pittsburgh -1.5 (+209)
- Moneyline: Montreal +104 | Pittsburgh -117
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+104) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Canadiens vs Penguins trend
Cole Caufield has recorded a point in eight of his past 11 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Penguins.
How to watch Canadiens vs Penguins
| Location: | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-12-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN2 |
Canadiens vs Penguins latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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