Centre Bell (Montreal)
Montreal started the season with two straight losses. Now the Canadiens will face the New York Rangers at home. Will Dominique Ducharme's team be able to make up for the failures? There are several options to consider.
Montreal can blame the calendar
Canadiens lost two games in a row at the beginning of the championship, having scored only two pucks and missed 7. Well, what else could have been expected? Montreal faced Toronto in the first game, who was disgracefully knocked out of the last playoffs by the Canadiens, and they certainly wanted at least some revenge. Montreal lost 1-2 away and then had to conduct a back-to-back with a move to Buffalo. 1-5 from the Sabres is a bit much, but Dominique Ducharme's team did what they could.
The Rangers have also been winless
The start of the season for the New York Rangers could is by no means a good one. First, David Quinn's team lost to Washington away with a score of 1-4. Then they failed to beat Dallas in another away match, losing in overtime 2-3.
Losing is always unpleasant, but as with Montreal, you have to take the calendar into account. Two consecutive road games against such powerful opponents is hardly a start that should be envied in any way.
Injuries
- Canadiens: Carey Price, Mike Hoffman.
- Rangers: Samuel Blais.
Head-to-head encounters
Opponents haven't played a draw in 10 consecutive games in regulation time, each team having 5 wins.
Expert Betting Tips
The Rangers will play their third away game, while Montreal is finally back home. The conclusion here is obvious: the Canadiens will win. In addition, the Rangers have already earned one point in the standings against Dallas. The overall score of 2-7 after two matches does not reflect the real strength of Montreal.
Prediction: Canadiens will win.
Betting options:
- Montreal To Win (incl. Overtime And Penalties) for 1.80;
- Handicap Montreal (0) for 1.91.