Free NHL Hockey Prediction: Blues vs Canadiens NHL Odds
Looking for St. Louis Blues vs. Montreal Canadiens free hockey plays & NHL Odds? NHL betting sees the Blues taking on the Canadiens on Saturday February 11th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NHL Hockey matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NHL hockey predictions.
(28-22-5) St. Louis Blues vs. Montreal Canadiens (31-17-8)
Date: Saturday February 11th
Time: 4:00 PM
Venue: Bell Centre in Montreal, QC
NHL Hockey Moneyline Odds: Habs -130
NHL Hockey Puck Line Odds:
NHL Betting Total: 5
Live NHL Odds
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While the Montreal Canadiens sit atop the Atlantic Division, they have been on a slight skid of late, winning just one of their last five games in February.
On the other hand, the Blues’ have been producing wins of late, with four in their last five games, after the firing of former head coach, Ken Hitchcock.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues’ were renowned for their defensive abilities and winning tight games under the recently fired head coach, Ken Hitchcock.
Hitchcock was let down by his goaltending and team’s defensive play this season, and the succession plan to Mike Yeo came early seeing Hitchcock the door.
Starting netminder, Jake Allen, has struggled largely this season to the tune of a .903 SV% and a 2.69 GAA.
It’s well-known that in this era of the NHL, the coach being fired is often a by-product of a leak in goal, as it is easier to make a coaching change than a trade under the salary cap.
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The defensive unit should be an area of strength for the Blues, with Alex Pietrangelo, Jay Bouwmeester, Kevin Shattenkirk and Colton Parayko comprising the top-four.
The group has combined for a minus-22 rating, however, with Kevin Shattenkirk registering the worst mark at minus-10.
Shattenkirk has produced on the scoresheet though, seeing his 38 points on the year rank second amongst any Blues’ player. The leading point-producer in St. Louis has been star winger, Vladmir Tarasenko, with 53 points in 55 games.
It wasn’t long ago that Tarasenko was benched during the playoffs and had an outspoken tiff with Hitchcock about his playing time, though it seems those days are long gone as he is the only player above 40 points on the roster.
Montreal Canadiens
The Habs continue to lead the Atlantic division, sitting eight points ahead of the second-place Ottawa Senators. The Atlantic has been one of the weakest divisions this year, however, as Montreal’s 70 points are tied with San Jose’s in the Pacific, for the least amongst the four divisions.
The Canadiens’ team stats rank quite favorably, however, which suggest that their success is no fluke. The team ranks 8th in goals per game at 2.9, and 8th in goals against as well, at 2.5.
Special teams have been hit or miss, ranking 5th in powerplay percentage but a surprising 23rd in penalty kill.
Captain Max Pacioretty appears to be enjoying life with the departure of PK Subban, whom he was rumored to have a tumultuous relationship with.
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Pacioretty leads his team with 27 goals and 48 points on the year, showing nice chemistry with new linemate, Alexander Radulov.
Radulov, has seemed to find a solid fit in Montreal, chipping in 42 points on the year, including a team-leading 28 assists.
Carey Price has struggled of late, but is still one of the top goalies in the league. Price owns a 24-13-5 record, with a .918 SV% and a 2.42 GAA on the season.
NHL Betting Trends:
- The Blues rank 24th in goals against at 2.9 on average, but have the 6th best penalty kill
- St. Louis have a minus-6 goal differential on the season
- St. Louis is 11-13-1 on the road this year
- Max Pacioretty and Vladmir Tarasenko are 3rd and 4th in goals, respectively
- Montreal is 18-6-4 at home
- Montreal has a plus-21 goal differential on the season
Free St. Louis Blues vs Montreal Canadiens NHL Hockey Prediction:
The Blues’ defensive woes have been better the past five games, only allowing more than one goal in one of the five games. They are nearing the end of a five game road-trip and will look to continue the close, low-scoring trend.
4* Free NHL Betting Pick: Under 5.5
Montreal is coming off of a 5-4 win, their first in their past five games and will try to build on that momentum at the Bell Centre against the Blues.
NHL Free Score Prediction: St. Louis 2 – Montreal 3
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