The Montreal Canadiens (24-19-4) travel to face off against the Detroit Red Wings (21-22-5) on Thursday, January 23rd. This game will be played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and televised on ESPN+. The Red Wings are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Canadiens are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Penguins. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Canadiens vs Red Wings

The Montreal Canadiens Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Montreal’s 3-1 loss to the Penguins moved their record to 24-19-4. The Canadiens were the underdogs on the puck line and fell short of the 6.5 total, with the combined score reaching just 4 goals.

The Canadiens trailed 2-0 before Christian Dvorak scored at 14:28 in the third period. However, the Penguins sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 19:15.

The Detroit Red Wings Are Coming Off A Win

Detroit moved closer to .500 with a 2-1 win over the Sabres, improving to 21-22-5. The Red Wings, favored by -1.5 goals, didn’t cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 3 goals fell well short.

After trailing 1-0 in the first period, the Red Wings responded with two goals in the second. Both of Detroit’s goals came from Dylan Larkin and were on the power play.

Montreal Offense Breakdown

In their recent game, the Canadiens fired 26 shots on goal but managed just one score. Christian Dvorak netted his first goal of the season, coming 5:32 into the third period. Montreal was held scoreless through the first two periods before Dvorak’s goal.

Juraj Slafkovsky picked up his 7th assist, while Emil Heineman notched his first. The Canadiens had 20 giveaways in the game.

Red Wings Offense Breakdown

Detroit’s offense was held scoreless in the first period before Dylan Larkin netted his 6th and 7th goals of the season in the second period. Both of Larkin’s goals came on power plays, with the first at 12:11 and the second at 5:22.

The Red Wings took 23 shots on goal but gave the puck away 15 times. Alex DeBrincat picked up his 4th assist on Larkin’s second goal, while Lucas Raymond added his 10th assist of the season.

Montreal Team Defense

Montreal’s defense gave up the first two goals, with the first coming at 15:57 in the first period and the second at 18:40 in the second. The Canadiens pulled within one in the third, but an empty-netter sealed the game for Pittsburgh. Goalie Sam Montembeault made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, while the defense added 4 takeaways and 28 hits.

Detroit Team Defense

After conceding the first goal 11:39 into the first period, the Red Wings’ defense held firm, not allowing another goal. Cam Talbot made 31 saves with a 96.9% save percentage, and the defense added 4 takeaways and 11 hits.

Canadiens vs Red Wings Trends

• The Canadiens are 4-1 puck line in their last road games and 4-1 straight-up.
• Across their last three home contests, Detroit has been good against the puck line posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1, while averaging 4 goals per game.
• Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Red Wings have a strong record vs the puck line going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 2-3.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Canadiens have an puck line record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 4-1.

Canadiens vs Red Wings Prediction

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Red Wings to come out with a win against the Canadiens while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -126, I’m placing my bet on the Red Wings to win outright.

If you’re looking for my recommendation on the puck line, I suggest taking the Canadiens to cover. Even if the Red Wings manage to win outright, this game is expected to remain competitive, and the Canadiens should cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.