The Montreal Canadiens (3-3-0) host the Minnesota Wild (1-3-1) tonight at the Bell Center in a non-conference matchup.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. This is one of 10 NHL games on the NHL schedule for Tuesday, October 25.
Jake Allen is expected to start for the Canadiens. He has a 2-2 record to go along with a 2.77 goals-against average (GAA) and .913 save percentage this season.
Marc-Andre Fleury will look to turn his season around for the Wild vs. Canadiens betting analysis. He is 1-1-1 with a 5.24 GAA and .847 save percentage.
Teams’ Previous Scoreboards
Wild Scoreboard
The Wild may be on the cusp of turning their season around after a less-than-stellar start. Minnesota lost its first three games of the NHL schedule by a combined score of 20-12.
They defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in overtime last Thursday and are coming off of a 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins.
Canadiens Scoreboard
Montreal has fared slightly better. The Canadiens’ standings are looking better than anticipated through three games.
They’re tied for last place in the Atlantic Division (which is to be expected) but just four points out of first place.
Montreal is coming off a 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars, but has wins this season over the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Minnesota Wild vs. Montreal Canadiens Betting Analysis
Minnesota Wild is the moneyline favorite for Wild vs. Canadiens betting analysis. The Wild are listed at -190 on the moneyline, while the Canadiens are at +171.
Minnesota is +140 on the -1.5 puckline, while the Canadiens are -160 on the +1.5 puckline. The over/under for Wild vs. Canadiens betting analysis is 6.5, with the over and under paying out -130 and +118, respectively.
Fleury Looking to Turn Things Around in His Home Province
It was somewhat surprising when Marc-Andre Fleury returned to Minnesota this season. The veteran netminder had apparently mused retirement and even considered signing with the Canadiens if you believe all media reports.
However, here he is back in Minnesota with disastrous stats through three games. Fleury, however, is 24-13-6 in his career against the Canadiens.
Couple that with the Wild playing better in the last two games, and you’ve got a recipe for a strong performance from the 37-year-old from Sorel, Quebec.
Fleury typically steps up his play in Quebec, too. He recorded a 30-save shutout with the Chicago Blackhawks last season in his last game in Montreal.
Can the Canadiens’ Defense Hold Up?
Montreal’s offense has been very good through the first six games of the season, but what’s been most surprising is the fact the team has allowed just 18 goals. Their 3 goals allowed per game is tied for 13th in the NHL.
Allen has been a big part of that, but the Montreal Canadiens‘ inexperienced defense has also held up well. Montreal has allowed just 31 shots per game this season, which is also tied for 13th in the league.
The defense, which includes rookies Arber Xhekaj, Jordan Harris, and Kaiden Guhle, has exceeded expectations, but how long will that continue?
NHL Injury Report
There’s several Montreal Canadiens on the NHL injury report. Carey Price, Joel Edmundson, and Paul Byron are all on the long-term IR.
Defenseman Mike Matheson and winger Joel Armia are also out with injuries. Juraj Slafkovsky, who scored his first career goal last weekend, is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
Winger Jordan Greenway is the most notable absence for the Wild. He’s on the NHL injury report with an upper-body injury.
Minnesota Wild vs. Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
Minnesota is 1-4 against the spread this season, whereas the Canadiens are 3-3. The over has hit in each of the Wild’s six games this season and three of the Canadiens’ six games.
Minnesota Wild vs. Montreal Canadiens Betting Prediction
The under is due to hit in a Wild game, especially with Fleury playing in his home province of Quebec, but we’re still not counting on it.
Minnesota is expected to be a top team in the Western Conference this season and will further turn things around tonight.
Who to Bet On?
For Wild vs. Canadiens betting analysis, look at all of the above information and take into account Minnesota’s recent improved play.
This one has the feel of a multi-goal win for the Wild, so take the Wild -1.5 (+140) for the best value.
NHL Pick: Wild -1.5 (+140)
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