The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Los Angeles Kings this evening at the Bell Centre. While Los Angeles has dropped all three contests on the highway, Montreal has battled to a 2-2 start on the heels of their rolling No. 1 line.
My Kings vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks expect go-to winger Juraj Slafkovsky to stay hot for the Habs on Thursday, October 17.
Kings vs Canadiens prediction
My Habs best bet
Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points (-110 at Bet99)
My analysis
The Los Angeles Kings are reeling along their seven-game road trip with a 1-1-2 start to the season and visit the Bell Centre for the second leg of a back-to-back set against the Montreal Canadiens tonight. This will also be the third road game in four days for Los Angeles.
Montreal winger Juraj Slafkovsky had a breakout second half last year with 35 points across the final 40 games, and he’s picked up where he left off with four points through as many games.
The 2022 first-round selection is cemented in a top-line role and gig on the No. 1 power-play unit, and this sets up as a favorable matchup considering Los Angeles is expected to turn to third-string goalie Pheonix Copley tonight.
Copley was recalled from the AHL after Kings No. 1 Darcy Kuemper sustained a lower-body injury, and he sports a measly .898 save percentage with -21.2 goals saved above average across 77 NHL appearances.
Making matters worse is the fact that the Kings' blue line is also missing a pair of top-four staples from last season. Matt Roy signed with the Washington Capitals this summer, and Drew Doughty is on long-term injured reserve with an ankle injury.
Slafkovsky and linemates Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have combined for five goals and 11 points through four games, and the trio has been on the ice for an impressive 6.15 goals per 60 minutes. Back the young Slovak to find the scoresheet yet again.
Kings vs Canadiens same-game parlay (SGP)
Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points
Kevin Fiala Over 2.5 shots
Trevor Moore Over 2.5 shots
While the goaltending and defense have some question marks, the Kings should be able to tilt the ice in their favor, considering the Habs sport a league-low 38.3 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five. Montreal has also allowed the most shots (38.49) and attempts (80.48) per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
Los Angeles wingers Kevin Fiala and Trevor Moore have recorded 13 and 12 shots, respectively, on 19 and 16 attempts through four games. They both receive consistent minutes, and Moore paces the team with a 56.1 CF% at 5-on-5 dating back to last season, while Fiala sits third with a 55.9% mark.
I also value that Fiala and Moore skate on different lines and power-play units, so they won't take away shooting opportunities from one another.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,000 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario
Kings vs Canadiens odds
Kings vs Canadiens live odds
Kings vs Canadiens opening odds
- Puck line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+195) | Montreal +1.5 (-250)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -125 | Montreal +105
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-120) | Under 6 (+100)
Kings vs Canadiens moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- There has been a move to the Los Angeles side of this moneyline, and it aligns with the highlighted poor possession numbers for the Canadiens.
- Bet99 is in line with the industry, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was more steam on the Kings given Montreal also ranks last in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5.
- Early betting action has favored the Under in this matchup. Bet99 has the Over 5.5 priced at -135 and the Under 6.5 at -135. The 6.0 total is trading at -110 on both sides.
Kings vs Canadiens trend
Slafkovsky has recorded a point in three of four games to start the season. Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs. Canadiens.
Kings vs Canadiens game info
| Location: | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC |
| Date: | Thursday, 10-17-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Sports West, TSN2 |
Kings vs Canadiens latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
