The Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames face off on Tuesday in an NHL showdown at the Centre Bell.
What Defense Shows up for the Canadiens?
The Canadiens defense has been inconsistent this season, and they are coming off a game where they really struggled. The Canadiens offense scored three goals against the Vancouver Canucks, but the defense gave up five goals. Two games ago against the Bruins, the defense gave up only two goals, and they are going to need the defense to be good again here. The Canadiens are averaging 2.87 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.4 goals per game. The offense is ranked 23rd, while the defense is ranked 21st.
Flames Coming Off Disappointing Loss
The Flames have been disappointing for most of the season, and they are coming off another disappointing loss again in the last game. In the last game against the Ottawa Senators, the Flames only scored a goal and that led to the defeat. Dustin Wolf saved 34 of the 38 shots that he faced. The Flames are averaging 2.64 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.57 goals per game. The offense is ranked 27th while the defense is also ranked 27th. In this game, the flames are going to need the defense to step up here.
Shane’s Free Pick
These are both offenses that have had some major issues and they are both going to really struggle here. The Flames are averaging only 2.64 goals per game, and I expect they are going to finish with two goals or fewer. Look for a 3-1 or 3-2 game and this game is going to stay under the total. In terms of the side it’s a lean to the Canadiens but the better play here with the total. Back the under.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
