Montreal Canadiens vs. Vegas Golden Knights
On the evening of January 27, hockey fans will witness the Montreal Canadiens take on the Vegas Golden Knights at the iconic Bell Centre. This matchup comes on the heels of a disappointing performance for the Golden Knights, who suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat against the Ottawa Senators in their previous game, managing just 20 shots on goal. Despite that setback, the Knights are expected to ramp up their offensive efforts, having averaged over 30 shots in four of their last five contests.
Defensive Strategies
Montreal’s defense has shown some promise lately by limiting their opponents to an average of 26.8 shots per game, ranking them ninth in that category. At the same time, they hold a 12th place ranking in Corsi For percentage over their recent 13 games. This indicates a strengthened defensive strategy that will be put to the test against Vegas, who is looking to end their four-game road trip on a high note.
Goalie Matchup
In the crease for Montreal will be backup goalie Jakub Dobes, who has showcased his skill with a 4-0 record at home and a save percentage of .907 over his past four starts. Given the anticipated surge in shots from the Knights, it seems likely that Dobes will face a busy night, with predictions leaning toward him achieving over 23.5 saves.
Offensive Trends
The Golden Knights have a streak of hitting the Over in five of their last six games, yet they’ve also struggled in their goaltending department; Adin Hill has an unfortunate .827 save percentage alongside a 4.26 GAA in his last four outings. Meanwhile, Montreal has similarly exceeded the total in five of the past seven games, indicating a tendency towards higher-scoring encounters.
Player Highlights
Rookie Ivan Demidov of the Canadiens has faced a minor scoring drought, having failed to register points in two consecutive games. Yet, he remains a dynamic presence, contributing to scoring chances with 2.09 expected goals during that span, and previously had a scoring streak of four games.
Betting Insights
In the betting context, expect an engaging night with moneyline odds closely matched at Vegas -110 and Montreal -110. The puck line also presents intriguing spreads, with Vegas at -1.5 (+200) and Montreal at +1.5 (-250). The Over/Under is set at 6.5, with odds equal on both sides.
Same-Game Parlay Suggestions
For those inclined to place bets on this game, a same-game parlay could include:
- Over 6.5 total goals,
- Jakub Dobes exceeding 23.5 saves,
- Ivan Demidov registering over 0.5 points.
This exciting matchup promises to deliver plenty of action on the ice, making it a must-watch for NHL enthusiasts. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast nationally on SCRIPPS and TSN2.
