The Montreal Canadiens (22-26-8) travel to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins (24-22-8) on Thursday, February 22nd. This game will be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh and televised on SN PT. Both the Canadiens and Penguins will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 ET.

Canadiens vs Penguins

The Montreal Canadiens Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

With a record of 22-26-8, the Canadiens are currently in 14th place in the Eastern Conference and 7th in the Atlantic Division. Over their last ten games, Montreal has gone just 3-7 and they have lost three straight games. On the road this season, the Canadiens are 11-10-5.

As the underdog, Montreal has gone 18-25-8 this season. Against teams from the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens have a record of 12-19, and they are 0-3 in their last three games.

On the season, Montreal has a puck line record of 35-21, including going 2-1 in their last three games. So far, the Canadiens have had 17 road losses by multiple goals and are 17-9 on the puck line away from home.

As the underdog, Montreal has a puck line record of 34-17, and their average scoring margin as the underdog is at -1 goal per game. This season, the Canadiens have had 15 wins by just one goal, and their average scoring differential on the year is at -0.8 goals per contest.

Following a 3-2 loss at home to the Sabres, the Canadiens are eager to bounce back. Looking at the Canadiens offense vs. the Sabres, they managed to score one goal in the opening period and one time in the second period. In the game, Montreal managed to score all two goals at even strength. They concluded with 31 shots on goal and committed 12 turnovers.

As underdogs, Montreal suffered a loss but still covered the puck line. Combining for 5 goals, the game finished below the over/under line of 6.5.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

At home this season, the Penguins have gone 13-11-4, and they have lost their last three games at home. Over their last ten games, Pittsburgh has gone just 3-7, and they are 12th in the Eastern Conference with 56 points. In the Metropolitan Division, the Penguins are in 7th place.

Overall, Pittsburgh has gone 24-22-8, and they have been favored in 35 of their 54 games this season. As the favorite, the Penguins have gone 16-15-5, and they have lost their last two games when favored. Over their last five games, Pittsburgh has gone just 1-4.

At home this season, the Penguins have an average scoring margin of +.2 goals per game, and their puck line record is 12-15. Overall, their puck line record is 25-28.

So far, Pittsburgh has been favored in 35 games and has a puck line record of 13-22 as the favorite. In their last ten home games, their puck line record is 3-7.

Following a 5-4 loss at home to the Islanders, the Penguins are eager to bounce back. Against the Islanders, the Penguins’ offense netted goals in all three periods. In the game, Pittsburgh managed to score all four goals at even strength. They concluded with 41 shots on goal and committed 13 turnovers.

Pittsburgh was favored by -1.5 giving them a loss vs. the puck line. The combined total of 9 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 5.5 goals for the game.

Montreal Offense Breakdown

The Canadiens come into the game scoring an average of 2.8 goals per game, putting them 26th in the NHL. Regarding shots targeted at the goal per game, they are 27th in the league. This year, the Canadiens have recorded a 5-5 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. For games with fewer shots on goal, they have a 17-20 record.

The Canadiens come in with an over/under record of 29-26-1. Over the season, there have been 29 games that have surpassed the 6 over/under line. Their games, on average, are at 6.4 goals per game.

Penguins Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Penguins come in averaging 2.9 goals per game this season, which is 27th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 10th in the league. This year, the Penguins have recorded a 16-14 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. For games with fewer shots on goal, they have a 7-8 record.

This season, the Penguins’ have an over/under record of 19-31-3. Throughout the season, they have played 27 games that did not exceed the 6 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 5.6 goals per game.

Montreal Team Defense

In terms of defense, the Canadiens head into the game ranked 3rd in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 33.4 shots per game against Montreal. So far, they are 27th in shutouts, achieving 1 shutouts.

Pittsburgh Team Defense

The Penguins defense is currently 24th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 30.1 shots per game against Pittsburgh. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 1st with 7 shutouts.

Canadiens vs Penguins Trends

• Through their last five road contests, the Canadiens offense has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing an average of 5. Montreal posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 2-3 ATS.
• Across their ten previous home games, Pittsburgh has an puck line mark of 3-7. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-7 while averaging 2 goals per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Penguins have a straight up record of 0-3. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 2-1.
• In their last five contests as the favorite, Montreal has a poor record vs the puck line going 1-4. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 4-1.

Canadiens vs Penguins Prediction

If you’re looking for a straight moneyline bet, then the Penguins are the way to go. However, with a payout of -219, you might consider using this bet as a leg of a parlay.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Canadiens to cover. Even in the event of a Penguins victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Canadiens should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

---

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

---

* 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.