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Game Preview: Montréal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators
The Montréal Canadiens visit Canadian Tire Centre on December 2 to face the Ottawa Senators in a battle between two Atlantic Division teams looking to gain traction.
Both teams are in different stages of rebuilding, with young cores showing flashes of promise but struggling with consistency. This game offers value for bettors watching young talent and evaluating early-season trends.
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Odds and Key Information
Ottawa opens as a modest favorite at -135, with Montréal listed at +115. The total is set at 6.5 goals, which reflects the defensive vulnerabilities on both sides.
The Senators enter with a record around 9-12-1, averaging 3.2 goals for and 3.5 against. Their power play sits at 20%, with a penalty kill below 75%.
The Canadiens come in at 8-13-2, scoring 2.7 goals per game and giving up 3.4. Their special teams are below average, with a power play at 17% and a penalty kill just over 77%.
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Montréal Canadiens Outlook
The Canadiens continue to emphasize development, giving their young forwards extended minutes. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki lead the offense, but the lack of consistent depth scoring has been an issue.
Goaltending has also been shaky, with Sam Montembeault and Jake Allen alternating starts. The defense gives up a high number of shots, and their inability to clear the crease has led to second-chance goals.
The key for Montréal is to play with pace and capitalize on transition. If they can stay out of the penalty box and convert their few power play chances, they can keep things close.
Ottawa Senators Outlook
The Senators have talent but remain frustratingly inconsistent. Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Drake Batherson provide offense, but the defensive core still gives up too many high-danger chances.
Goaltending from Anton Forsberg and Joonas Korpisalo has been below average, with save percentages under .900. This has forced Ottawa into too many shootouts and comeback attempts.
Despite the issues, Ottawa has been strong at home, with four wins in its last six at Canadian Tire Centre. Their aggressive forecheck can overwhelm weaker puck-moving teams like Montréal.
Key Matchup
This game could be decided by special teams execution. The Senators have the better power play, while the Canadiens have struggled to generate scoring chances on the man advantage.
If Ottawa draws more penalties and converts, their offensive edge will likely be the difference. Montréal must counter by keeping this game at 5-on-5, where they’ve been more competitive.
Betting Trends
- Ottawa is 4-2 in its last 6 home games
- Montréal is 2-8 in its last 10 games overall
- The Over is 6-2 in Ottawa’s last 8 home games
- The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams
- Montréal is 1-5 in its last 6 vs Eastern Conference teams
More trend breakdowns available in the full NHL expert betting guide.
Prediction
Neither team has been consistent, but Ottawa’s home performance and deeper top-six give them the edge. If their power play capitalizes and goaltending holds up, they should outpace a struggling Montréal squad.
Expect some scoring early, but the Senators’ puck control may close things out late.
Projected Score: Ottawa Senators 4, Montréal Canadiens 2
Spread Pick: Ottawa -1.5
Total Lean: Over 6.5
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