NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Bruins vs Canadiens Betting Preview
Boston and Montreal meet Saturday night in their first rivalry clash of the season. Both teams enter off tough losses and sit tied atop the Atlantic. The Bruins saw a seven-game streak end in Ottawa. Montreal took a 7-0 home loss to Dallas and has scored once in two games.
Marco Sturm wants a clean reset. The Bruins battled back from 3-1 to tie before late mistakes cost them. Morgan Geekie stays hot with seven points in five games. David Pastrnak has scored in three straight.
Montreal hit a wall after a strong six-game point run. Sam Montembeault continues to struggle. Jakub Dobes was pulled Thursday. Injuries now pile up. Alex Newhook is out four months after ankle surgery. Kaiden Guhle is out 8-10 weeks.
Game details
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, Bell Centre, Montreal.
For more league context, check the full NHL previews
Dominate the Sportsbook with Proven Picks
All Sports, One Winning Strategy
Line Movement and Odds
Current market at publication:
Bruins -165, Canadiens +145.
Puck line Bruins -1.5 (+145), Canadiens +1.5 (-165).
Total 6 (over -115, under -105).
Openers leaned lower at 5.5 before early over money pushed the number up. Public bettors ride Boston after its long win streak. Sharper money hit Montreal early at +155, but buyback on the Bruins followed.
Track updates on the NHL odds board
Matchup Breakdown
Boston outlook:
The Bruins still control the pace at 5-on-5. They rank top-five in high-danger share. Their forecheck created long Ottawa possessions, but early turnovers were the problem. Expect Jonathan Aspirot to slide in on the third pair after Friday’s practice rotation.
Boston’s advantage is clear. Montreal gives up the fifth-highest rate of slot chances. Pastrnak and Geekie are exploiting those seams.
Montreal outlook:
Montreal’s defensive structure has slipped. The Habs have allowed 12 goals in two games and have leaned on pressured breakouts. The loss of Newhook removes a transition threat. Goaltending remains unstable. The Canadiens still generate rush looks but have not finished.
Key battle:
Boston’s cycle pressure against Montreal’s weakened blue line and low-danger clearing attempts.
Injuries and Conditions
Boston Bruins
- Jonathan Aspirot, expected lineup addition.
- Henri Jokiharju, extra skater.
- No new top-six injuries.
See full Boston Bruins injury report
Montreal Canadiens
- Alex Newhook, fractured ankle, out four months.
- Kaiden Guhle, adductor surgery, out 8-10 weeks.
- Goalie rotation unsettled.
See full Montreal Canadiens injury report
Best Bets and Prediction
Boston is 7-1 in its past eight. Montreal is 1-4 in its past five at home. The Habs also struggle against strong possession teams.
Projected score: Bruins 4, Canadiens 2.
Best bet: Bruins -165.
Secondary lean: Over 6 based on expected Montreal defensive lapses.
Unlock 5,000+ Winning Picks Every Season
Bet Smarter, Across Every League
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Compare experts on the Handicapper Leaderboard
See Service Plays and tonight’s Free NHL picks
Sharpen your process with the NHL Bettors Handbook
