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New Jersey Devils vs Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The New Jersey Devils return home Thursday to face the Montreal Canadiens after a rough Western trip exposed some bad habits. New Jersey dropped three of its last four, including a 4-1 loss to Anaheim on Sunday, and continues to miss top defenseman Brett Pesce.
Jack Hughes remains the offensive engine, scoring his 10th goal of the season in that loss. Connor Brown could return after skating in practice Wednesday, while Jake Allen is expected to start in net.
Montreal, meanwhile, rallied from a 3-0 hole in a 5-4 shootout loss to Philadelphia. Nick Suzuki extended his NHL-best point streak to 12 games, and Kirby Dach added two goals. Martin St. Louis’ club has quietly climbed to first in the Atlantic Division with a 9-4-1 record, powered by a sharp power play and balanced scoring.
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Line Movement and Odds
At ScoresAndStats NHL odds, the Devils opened around -155 on the moneyline and have ticked up to -161 with light sharp support. Montreal sits at +136, with the total steady at 6.0 goals (Over -117).
Public money leans slightly to the over after both clubs’ recent high-event games, but sharp bettors appear to favor New Jersey at home.
Matchup Breakdown
The Canadiens’ success hinges on Suzuki and Cole Caufield sustaining their hot start. Montreal ranks top-five in power-play goals (12) and continues to generate offense from the blue line through Lane Hutson.
The Devils’ offense still drives possession, ranking sixth in goals and ninth in assists, but turnovers have hurt transition defense. If Hughes and Dawson Mercer can dictate pace in the neutral zone, New Jersey’s speed should overwhelm a Montreal team playing its third game in four nights.
Both teams have fared well in close contests, but the home ice and rest edge tilt toward the Devils.
Injuries and Conditions
Montreal Canadiens
- Kaiden Guhle (D) – Out, lower body
- Patrik Laine (RW) – Out, lower body
New Jersey Devils
- Connor Brown (RW) – Questionable, undisclosed
- Brett Pesce (D) – Out, upper body
- Several depth forwards remain day-to-day
Check the Canadiens injury report and Devils injury report before wagering.
This is an indoor matchup at Prudential Center, so no weather impact is expected.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Devils are 4-1 in conference play and 70% straight-up in their last 10. Montreal has covered the puckline in three straight but faces fatigue.
Prediction: Devils 4, Canadiens 2
Best Bet: Devils moneyline (-161)
Secondary Lean: Over 6.0 goals
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