New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction NHL Picks 12/3/24

In this article, we will formulate a New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, December 3rd at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

New York Islanders Betting Preview

The New York Islanders are 9-10-6 this season after they defeated Buffalo by a score of 3-0 in their last game. New York scored two goals in the second period and added an empty-net goal in the third for the shutout win. The Islanders were outshot by a total of 29-20, won 57.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Holmstrom (2) and Lee, while Sorokin stopped all 29 shots that he faced in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Islanders lost three games in a row against Washington, Boston, and Detroit. New York has scored 2.56 goals per game and they have allowed 2.96 goals against per game, while also going 12.9% on the power play and 69.8% on the penalty kill this season. Kyle Palmieri has led New York with 10 goals, 10 assists, and 56 shots on goal, while Ilya Sorokin is 6-6-3 with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage this year. 

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Montreal Canadiens are 8-13-3 this year after they lost to Boston by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Montreal allowed the first four goals in the game, but they did score three of the last five goals in the loss. A total of 30-29 outshot the Canadiens, won 45.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Caufield (2) and Heineman, while Primeau stopped 24 out of 29 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Canadiens lost to the Rangers by a score of 4-3 but did beat Columbus by a score of 4-3 before that. Montreal has scored 2.83 goals per game and they have allowed 3.83 goals against per game, while also going 20.8% on the power play and 81.9% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with nine goals, 15 assists, and 53 shots on goal, while Sam Montembeault is 6-10-2 with a 3.12 goals against average and an .897 save percentage. 

Why the Islanders will beat the Canadiens

• The Canadiens have lost four of their last five night games following a road loss.

Total Goals Facts

• Five of the last six games between the Islanders and Canadiens at Bell Centre have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Four of the Islanders’ last five night games at Bell Centre have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 15 games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Islanders’ last six games following a win.

Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts

• Mike Matheson has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Canadiens’ last nine home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Cole Caufield has scored at least one goal in each of the Canadiens’ last four games as underdogs against the Islanders.
• Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last seven games against the Islanders.

New York Islanders Player Prop Facts

• Brock Nelson has scored at least one goal in four of the Islanders’ last five road games against the Canadiens.
• Noah Dobson has recorded at least one point in seven of the Islanders’ last eight games against the Canadiens.
• Noah Dobson has recorded at least one assist in six of the Islanders’ last seven games as favorites against the Canadiens.

New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction 

New York was able to snap their losing streak last time out against Buffalo, but they have scored just 2.56 goals per game this year. The Islanders are 5-5-4 on the road, while the Canadiens are 5-5-2 at home this year. Montreal has lost four of their last five games and they are allowing nearly four goals against per game. I don’t like how the Islanders are playing, but I can’t trust this Montreal defense. Take New York here.