NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Montreal Canadiens vs Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens wrap up their three-game road trip Saturday night as they visit the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center for Chicago’s home opener.
The Canadiens (1–1–0) are coming off a dominant 5–1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, where young forward Zack Bolduc scored for the second straight game. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks (0–2–1) are still searching for their first win under new head coach Jeff Blashill after consecutive one-goal losses to Florida and Boston.
Smarter NHL Bets Start Here
Stay sharp all season long
Both teams are blending youth and experience, but only one will leave the ice with early-season momentum. Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
The betting line favors Montreal at -150, with Chicago priced as a +125 underdog. The total is set at 6.0 goals (Over -112, Under -106). For a deeper look at how these matchups could influence early conference standings, visit our NHL Conference Odds & Predictions
Track verified NHL experts → ScoresAndStats Handicappers Leaderboard
Line Movement and Betting Trends
Montreal opened around -135 and has been bet up to -150 as public action leans toward the more polished Canadiens offense. Roughly 61% of tickets and 67% of money are backing Montreal, while the total has drawn balanced action between the over and under.
The Canadiens have won four of their last five road games against the Western Conference, while the Blackhawks are 3–10 in their last 13 home games versus Eastern teams.
However, Chicago has covered the puck line (+1.5) in six straight home openers — an angle bettors might consider given their competitive early-season form.
“We’re taking steps forward,” said coach Jeff Blashill. “We just need to find ways to win these close games.”
Matchup Breakdown
Montreal Canadiens Outlook:
Head coach Martin St. Louis has his team playing fast, connected hockey. Montreal exploded for five goals on 13 shots in Detroit, forcing turnovers and dominating special teams. Mike Matheson (1G, 1A) led the charge from the blue line, while Nick Suzuki and Brendan Gallagher each added two assists.
Bolduc’s emergence has been the early-season story — the 21-year-old winger’s back-to-back goals have injected life into a retooled offense. The Canadiens’ depth and puck movement should again pose problems for a Chicago defense that has struggled with turnovers in its own zone.
Goaltender Jakub Dobes has stopped 52 of 56 shots through two starts (.929 SV%), giving Montreal solid stability in net.
“We’re connected on both sides of the puck,” St. Louis said. “That predictability makes us faster and harder to play against.”
Chicago Blackhawks Outlook:
Despite their 0–2–1 start, the Blackhawks are trending upward. Rookie captain Connor Bedard continues to impress, recording a goal and an assist in Thursday’s overtime loss to Boston. Veteran addition Andre Burakovsky also tallied a goal and assist, giving Chicago a much-needed secondary scoring option.
The Blackhawks’ young core, including Frank Nazar and Lukas Reichel, has flashed offensive potential. However, defensive lapses late in games have been costly. Expect Spencer Knight to get the start in net after a solid 34-save performance in Boston.
Chicago’s physicality (40+ hits per game) and pace make them a tough opponent at home — but they’ll need to finish scoring chances after registering just five goals in three contests.
“We’re playing with energy and discipline,” Bedard said. “Now it’s about finishing.”
Injuries and Conditions
| Montreal Canadiens | Chicago Blackhawks |
|---|---|
| David Reinbacher – Out (Lower Body) | Jason Dickinson – Doubtful (Undisclosed) |
| William Trudeau – Out (Shoulder) | Samuel Savoie – Out (Hand) |
| Kirby Dach – Out (Knee) | Alex Vlasic – Questionable (Maintenance) |
| — | Taylor Raddysh – Out (Groin) |
| Canadiens Injury Report | Blackhawks Injury Report |
Venue Conditions: United Center — indoor surface, fast ice expected for Chicago’s home debut.
Best Bets and Prediction
This matchup features two rebuilding franchises trending in different directions — Montreal with offensive chemistry and Chicago with growing pains but competitive energy. Expect an entertaining game with end-to-end rushes and both goalies tested.
Montreal’s balanced scoring and superior special teams tilt the edge their way, though Chicago’s home opener energy could make it close.
Pick: Canadiens ML (-150)
Projected Final Score: Canadiens 4, Blackhawks 2
Best Bet: Over 6.0 (-112)
Lean: Canadiens -1.5 (+174)
For more NHL Moneyline Picks, Totals Trends, and Live Betting Insights, visit the ScoresAndStats NHL Previews Page.
United Center Spotlight: Bedard’s Homecoming
Connor Bedard makes his 2025-26 home debut — and expectations are high. But facing a structured Canadiens team fresh off a statement win could be a tall order.
Follow live hockey odds and sharp market moves →
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Canadiens ML (-150) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Canadiens 4, Blackhawks 2 |
| Total Lean | Over 6.0 (-112) |
| Market Split | 61% bets Canadiens, 55% sharp money Over |
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
The ScoresAndStats Handicappers Leaderboard highlights verified NHL cappers who track win percentages and ROI daily. Early-season models show strong profitability backing favorites with elite power-play metrics — a category Montreal fits neatly into after going 2-for-3 on the man advantage against Detroit.
Use the Service Plays Section for professional hockey predictions built on advanced analytics like expected goals (xG) and high-danger scoring chances (HDCF%).
The difference between guessing and winning?
Discipline, data, and ScoresAndStats.
