Canadiens Could Cash Against Bruins

Bruins Ready To Even the Score As NHL Odds Heavily Imply

· Nov 18 - 4 minutes read

In a rematch between classic rivals, the oddsmakers heavily favor the Boston Bruins to beat the Montreal Canadiens. The latter pulled off the upset in their earlier meeting this week. But with the game in Boston, where the Bruins are unbeaten in regulation, the home team may be the best NHL pick this Nov. 18. Boston has won 10 of its last 11 games and looks to avenge the loss.

Will the Canadiens Upset the Bruins Again?

Will lightning strike twice? Montreal edged Boston 3-2 in a shootout. More interesting is how the game stats showed an even matchup. Boston had one more shot on goal and both went 1-of-4 on their power plays.

Even more impressive is how Montreal generated more high-danger scoring chances while being slightly ahead on corsi. That tells us that Montreal may be more than a match for Boston. And on the road, Montreal may be better.

The Canadiens are 5-1 on the puck line as a road team and are 2-2-2. This team averages three goals per game against 3.5 goals coming back, which is not a bad ratio for a developing team. Given their NHL lines, this team is not a bad NHL spread pick even against the vaunted Bruins.

Bruins Remain Dominant at Home But…

Betting online against Boston at home is a daunting task. The Bruins are 6-0-1 at home 4-3 on the puck line as favorites. They’re a money train. Boston averages nearly 3.5 goals while holding opponents to two. That’s partly thanks to a nearly flawless penalty kill at 96%.

The Canucks and Bruins are both 6-0-1 at home.

When do you think each team loses their first home game in regulation? 🧐🧐 pic.twitter.com/uaBQNwGccE

— BarDown (@BarDown) November 16, 2023

On 5-on-5, Boston has not been as puck dominant as last season. Boston still ranks in the upper half of the NHL in the advanced metrics. Overall, it’s hard to find any weaknesses with this team as it also has the depth to keep up its pace.

What could get tricky for Boston is how opposite of a style it plays versus Montreal. The Bruins play a slow-paced “grindy” style while Montreal is fast and frenetic. The Bruins will need to slow Montreal’s roll or they are a tough bet as a heavy favorite.

Trends Indicate Low-Scoring Totals

Five of Boston’s seven home games have gone under the total while four of Montreal’s six road games have as well. It’s the same trend when Boston plays its division: four of the last six went under.

Canadiens vs Bruins Game Information

Game: Canadiens (7-8-2) vs Bruins (12-1-2)

Date/Time: Saturday, November 18, 7:07 p.m. ET

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Boston, MA

Canadiens vs Bruins Live Stream: NHL.TV

Canadiens vs Bruins Betting Lines

Betting Odds Calculator

Canadiens vs Bruins Game Prediction

Predicted Score: Bruins 3, Canadiens 2

Lean on Canadiens

Seeing Montreal’s puck line at a pick’em is too good not to bet on online. Sure, Boston is nigh-unbeatable at home. But Montreal has the style to frustrate the Bruins and keep this one close. So bet on Montreal or look to the total instead.

NHL Pick: Montreal Canadiens +1½ (-110)

Bet on Scoring To Stay Muted

Montreal and Boston are like oil and water given their styles. The former can score a lot but give up more while the latter will keep totals below six goals. So what gives? Bank on the home team to assert its will here as goals will come few and far in between.

NHL Pick: Canadiens, Bruins Under 6 (-105)

Bet On This Pick: Montreal Canadiens + 1½