Montreal Canadiens vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction NHL Picks 1/3/25

In this article, we will formulate a Montreal Canadiens vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction for this NHL game on Friday, January 3rd at the United Center. To formulate this prediction, we will look at: 

-The Canadiens’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Blackhawks’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Montreal

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Chicago

-Recent betting trends in games played between Montreal and Chicago

-A summary that ties it all together produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Canadiens and Blackhawks. 

Colton Dach’s Debut Against the Blackhawks

It’s going to be the major league debut for Coltton Dach for the Blackhawks. Dach was drafted 61st overall in the 2021 draft and there is hope that he can give some sort of spark for this team. Speaking of spark, that’s exactly what this team needs as it’s already been a long start to the season. The Blackhawks faced off against the St. Louis Blues in the last game in the Winer Classic and the defense again was awful as they ended up losing 6-2. Petr Mrazek was in goal and saved 22 of the 28 shots. Tyler Bertuzzi scored one of the team’s goals and Taylor Hall scored the other goal. 

The Blackhawks on the season are averaging 2.5 goals while their defense is giving up 3.4 goals per game. The offense is ranked 30th while the defense is ranked 27th. This team is still probably a few years away with talent to find success, and right now they are just trying to limp along. Connor Bedard has scored 10 goals and added 20 assists so far this season. Connor Murphy is dealing with a groin injury and is questionable for this game. 

Canadiens Heating Up

The Canadiens are heating up and they have won three games in a row. On Tuesday the Canadiens faced off against the Vegas Golden Knights and they ended up winning 3-2. At the end of the first period, they were down 2-0, but in the third period they scored two goals and that was enough for the victory. Sam Montembault was in goal and saved 27 of the 29 shots that he faced. He was a bit shaky in the first period but as the game went on he played a whole lot better. Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach, and Emil Heineman all scored a goal to pace the team. Two games ago against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Canadiens were able to secure a 5-2 victory. 

The Canadiens are averaging 3.03 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.41 goals per game. The offense is ranked 18th in the league while the defense is ranked 28th. They are shooting 12.08 percent which is 5th best in the league. This is a team that just needs to try and create more shots on goal. Montreal is pretty healthy heading into this game but they are still dealing with an injury. David Reinbacher underwent knee surgery and he’s expected to be out until at least early February. The Canadiens will meet the Avs and Canucks after this game.

Why the Canadiens Will Beat the Blackhawks

• The Blackhawks have lost each of their last eight Friday games.
• The Canadiens have won six of their last seven games.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine games against the Blackhawks at United Center.
• The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Canadiens have won the second period in four of their last five games.

Montreal Canadiens vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction

Colton Dach is a big addition for the Blackhawks but his coming into this game isn’t going to change the luck for Chicago. The Blackhawks defense has been a major issue all season and they are going to really struggle here. The Canadiens offense isn’t elite, but they are good enough to get going against a terrible defense. At the end of the first period, the Canadiens are going to be up by at least a goal and they aren’t ever going to look back. Sorry Blackhawks fans, the losing is going to continue here. Back the Canadiens on the money line.