NHL betting preview (Dec. 9): Ducks vs. Canadiens odds
Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Monday’s matchup between the Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens.
Ducks vs. Canadiens Odds
- Anaheim Ducks Moneyline: +120
- Montreal Canadiens Moneyline: -145
- Puck Line: Ducks +1.5 (-210), Canadiens -1.5 (+170)
- Game Total: 6 (Over -120, Under +100)
Game odds via Sports Interaction.
Handicapping the Canadiens (10-17 SU, 14-13 ATS, 14-12-1 O/U)
This is one of the few times this season the Montreal Canadiens will be a somewhat sizable moneyline favorite. Based on the standings, this might seem strange, as both the Canadiens and Ducks sit at 25 points, with Anaheim holding two games in hand. It also seems odd given where these teams rank in most statistical categories, but while Anaheim has looked like one of the league’s worst teams, Montreal has started to make progress.
Per Evolving Hockey, the Canadiens and Ducks ranked 31st and 32nd in five-on-five expected goals percentage during the first month of the season. Over the last month, however, Montreal has significantly improved, ranking 15th in expected goals share at five-on-five, while Anaheim sits at 28th. Montreal has also climbed to 16th in expected goals against and 11th in shot attempts against at five-on-five, compared to Anaheim’s 32nd and 28th ranks in those categories.
Still, the surface-level numbers show little separating these teams offensively. Over its last 13 games, Montreal has scored 2.82 goals and allowed 3.05 goals per 60 minutes, while Anaheim has scored 2.74 and allowed 3.04 per 60. Both teams remain near the bottom of the league in overall scoring. However, Montreal’s special teams play gives them an edge. The Canadiens rank fifth on the penalty kill (82.98%) and 14th on the power play (21.43%), compared to the Ducks, who rank fourth-worst on the power play (15.07%) and ninth-worst on the penalty kill (75.36%).
Samuel Montembeault will start on Monday, which doesn’t come as a surprise. Montembeault hasn’t been as good as he has been the past couple of seasons, but he’s been solid, and backup Cayden Primeau has the second-worst save percentage in the NHL this season. Head coach Martin St. Louis will likely avoid starting Primeau unless necessary, as the Canadiens can’t afford the risk.
Handicapping the Ducks (10-15 SU, 17-8 ATS, 7-16-2 O/U)
The Ducks enter this matchup in a slump, scoring two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games and losing five times during that span. They’ve dropped to last place in the Pacific Division and now begin a tough four-game Eastern Conference road trip through Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Columbus.
Injuries have compounded Anaheim’s struggles. Leo Carlsson and Trevor Zegras are both sidelined, further depleting an already thin offense. Carlsson has missed the past five games but practiced in a non-contact jersey on Friday. Zegras, meanwhile, suffered an injury last Wednesday against Vegas and will miss at least the next two games. Even with Brock McGinn back from a seven-game absence—he scored Anaheim’s lone goal in a 4-1 loss to Minnesota—the Ducks can’t afford to lose key contributors. Only two teams have scored fewer goals per 60 minutes this season, and Carlsson and Zegras rank among Anaheim’s leaders in goals and points.
One bright spot has been Lukas Dostal, who continues to deliver elite goaltending. Dostal ranks second in goals saved above expected and fourth in save percentage among goalies who have faced at least 500 unblocked shots. He has the ability to steal a game, which is critical given Anaheim’s struggles to generate offense. This matchup could play into Dostal’s hands, as Montreal ranks 31st in shot attempts per 60 minutes at five-on-five over the last month. That said, the Canadiens’ middle-of-the-pack ranking in expected goals means they’re still generating quality chances, even if not in high volume.
Ultimately, this game could hinge on how much Anaheim can lean on Dostal and whether its depleted offense can find a spark against Montreal’s improving defense and special teams.
Best Bets for Ducks vs. Canadiens
- Patrik Laine Anytime Goal (+210) at Sports Interaction
Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach still look lost, while Alex Newhook continues to underwhelm on the top line with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. However, Patrik Laine has been sharp since returning, scoring two goals in three games, and Montreal is going to continue to look to him to produce. Sports Interaction offers the best odds in the market for Laine to score anytime at +210, and he should generate plenty of scoring opportunities given Anaheim’s defensive struggles.
- Patrik Laine Over 3 Shots On Goal (+100) at BetVictor
Laine isn’t just scoring—he’s steadily increasing his shot volume, culminating in four shots on goal and seven attempts against Washington. Facing an Anaheim team ranked last in both shots and shot attempts allowed, there’s a strong chance Laine surpasses his current season high in attempts. Over 3 shots on goal at +100 at BetVictor offers better value than the over 2.5 line elsewhere, but it’s a good player prop to take a chance on either way.