Just weeks out from the Four Nations tournament, the Pittsburgh Penguins roll into Montreal to face the Canadiens. Welcome to NHL predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we examine upcoming games, providing predictions and analyzing head-to-head matchups. In today’s prediction article, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins visit the Bell Centre to face Nick Suzuki and the Canadiens. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions for all the games in December on Last Word on Hockey!
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Canadiens
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+; Sportsnet+
With a fierce wildcard race underway, both teams in this matchup want to gain valuable points. The Penguins are 12-14-4 on the season. However, they’ve been playing well as of late, with a 5-2 record in their last seven. Meanwhile, Montreal is 11-14-3, sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Gaining Patrik Laine from injured reserve has been a huge addition to Montreal, and they have a 5-4-1 record in their last 10.
The Penguins Story
Vying for a playoff spot, Sidney Crosby leads the scoring in Pittsburgh. He has 27 points in 30 games. Behind him, Evgeni Malkin has continued to produce, scoring 25 points in 30 games. Since returning from injury, Blake Lizotte has been a pivotal bottom-sixer for the Penguins, scoring nine points in 14 games. The offence of the Penguins will have to come from the big guns and their wingers. Michael Bunting, Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust have all produced well for the team.
In net, Tristan Jarry’s four-game win streak was snapped by the Colorado Avalanche. However, he played well in the game and has been trending upwards recently. With valuable points on the line against an arguably inferior opponent, Jarry will be an X-factor in this game.
The Canadiens Story
Injuries have aided in derailing the Canadiens season. Patrik Laine made his long-awaited debut four games ago and has since scored four points in four games with Montreal. The young stars of Montreal have also continued to develop. Captain Nick Suzuki is at a point per game with 29 points through 28 games. Cole Caufield has lit up the lamp with 17 goals and 25 points through 28 games. Rookie defenceman Lane Hutson has been a difference-maker from the back end with 19 assists through 28 games.
In net, Sam Montembeault is likely to get the start. As a member of the Canadian Four Nations roster, Montembeault is gearing up for important international games. He’ll be dialed in playing against the potential captain of his team. Through 21 starts, he’s put up a 9-11-2 record with a .906 save percentage.
Prediction
Patrik Laine is a significant boost to Montreal’s offence. However, this game is too high stakes for the Penguins to put in a bad effort. Expect Crosby to come out of the gate flying, and the Penguins to take a win in Montreal.
Prediction: Penguins win 5-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
Patrik Laine has the hot hand for Montreal. With a +210 on FanDuel, an any time goal scorer bet is a good one.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 12 w/ Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.