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Game Preview New York Rangers @ Montréal Canadiens
The New York Rangers travel to Bell Centre on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to face the Montréal Canadiens in a classic Original Six showdown. These two franchises bring rich history to the ice, but only one is trending toward serious playoff contention this season.
New York comes in near the top of the Metropolitan Division standings, boasting an 18-8-3 record. The Rangers are 6-2-2 in their last ten games and have relied on elite special teams, consistent goaltending, and offensive depth to stay among the Eastern Conference leaders.
Montréal enters this matchup with a 12-15-2 record, sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. While the Canadiens have battled hard in most games, a young roster and ongoing defensive struggles continue to limit their ceiling. They are just 5-8-1 on home ice and are trying to avoid their fourth loss in five games.
This matchup carries strong betting angles with value on the side, total, and player props. For updated odds movement and real-time line changes, visit the live NHL scores and odds page.
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New York Rangers Outlook
The Rangers have looked every bit like a Stanley Cup contender through the first third of the season. With 18 wins in 29 games, they’ve consistently beaten playoff-caliber teams while maintaining one of the best goal differentials in the league. The offense is paced by Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad, who have combined for over 65 points so far. Chris Kreider continues to be a power play force, while Adam Fox anchors a mobile and skilled defensive unit.
New York ranks top five in power play efficiency, converting on 27.8 percent of their chances. Their penalty kill is even better, operating at an elite 86.5 percent rate. That combination has made them extremely profitable on the puck line and total markets.
Igor Shesterkin remains the key to New York’s success in net. With a .923 save percentage and 2.18 goals-against average, he is a brick wall when healthy. At even strength, the Rangers suppress high-danger shots well and rarely get caught in transition.
They are 9-4-1 on the road and have covered the puck line in seven of those nine wins. Against teams with losing records, New York has posted a 6-2-1 mark and typically controls pace from the opening faceoff.
To compare their position with other Eastern Conference contenders, check out the NHL conference odds and futures.
Montréal Canadiens Outlook
The Canadiens remain in the middle of a long-term rebuild, though they’ve stayed competitive in most matchups. With a 12-15-2 record, Montréal is still figuring out its identity. The team is led by captain Nick Suzuki and top winger Cole Caufield, who have combined for most of the offensive output. Juraj Slafkovský continues to grow into a larger role, but the supporting cast has struggled to keep up at both ends of the ice.
The Canadiens average just 2.8 goals per game, while allowing 3.4—a goal differential that makes close contests difficult to close out. Their power play sits at 17.9 percent and has been inconsistent, often lacking puck movement and zone time. The penalty kill ranks in the bottom third of the NHL, operating at 76.2 percent and surrendering goals in five of the last six games.
Goaltending has also been unstable. Jake Allen and Samuel Montembeault have split starts, but neither has a save percentage above .900. Defensive coverage has been the biggest issue, with Montréal giving up the sixth-most high-danger chances per game.
On home ice, they’ve struggled to generate early offense, scoring first in just four of 14 games at Bell Centre. That stat alone puts pressure on a team that rarely plays well from behind.
To understand how Montréal compares within the Atlantic Division, check the updated division preview and odds.
Key Matchup
The Rangers’ top power play unit against Montréal’s struggling penalty kill will be a defining factor. With Fox quarterbacking from the point and Panarin controlling the half wall, New York consistently finds passing lanes and shot volume. The Canadiens have allowed 13 power play goals over their last ten games and are getting beaten in front of the net on rebounds and deflections.
At even strength, New York also has the edge. The Rangers dominate possession in the offensive zone and average nearly five more shots per game than Montréal. The Habs have struggled with defensive zone exits and line changes, leaving them exposed against teams that press in waves.
For sharper matchup edges and performance metrics, visit the NHL expert betting guide.
Betting Trends
New York is 7-3 in its last ten games overall and 6-2 in its last eight against Eastern Conference opponents. The Rangers are also 8-4 against the puck line on the road this season, often controlling matchups early and expanding leads late.
The Canadiens are 2-5 in their last seven and just 4-10 against the spread in their last 14 home games. The over has hit in five of their last seven due to defensive breakdowns and poor penalty killing.
Historically, the Rangers have won six of their last eight games against Montréal, outscoring the Canadiens 28-18 over that stretch. The average total goals across those games is 6.4, with the over cashing in four of the last five.
For more historical trends and betting patterns, check the latest NHL picks and predictions.
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Prediction
This matchup favors the Rangers in almost every key statistical category. They have more scoring depth, a better goaltender, and elite special teams that can break a game open. Montréal may keep things close early, especially with energy from the home crowd, but their defense and penalty kill are vulnerable over three full periods.
If Shesterkin starts, expect New York to limit scoring chances and capitalize on every mistake the Canadiens make. A disciplined game from the Rangers should lead to a comfortable win.
Final score prediction: New York Rangers 4, Montréal Canadiens 2
Top play: Rangers moneyline
Lean: Over 6.0 goals if Montembeault starts
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