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Canadiens vs Golden Knights Betting Preview
Vegas enters Friday with renewed energy. Captain Mark Stone returned Wednesday after missing 16 games and delivered a strong performance with a goal, three takeaways and nearly 20 minutes of ice time. His return stabilizes their forward depth and leadership during a stretch where Vegas remains one point behind Anaheim in the Pacific.
Their overtime struggles continue to define the month. The Golden Knights lost their seventh straight game decided beyond regulation in a shootout loss to Ottawa. Their home record sits at 5-3-4. Their 1-8 mark in overtime and shootouts holds them back in a tight division race where only four points separate first from sixth.
Montreal arrives with momentum after a 4-3 win over Utah. Nick Suzuki had two goals and an assist against his former organization, passing 400 career points. Ivan Demidov scored the game-winner. Jakub Dobes stopped 31 shots and held strong late against a push from Utah.
Montreal carries a two-game win streak and continues a three-game road trip before finishing Saturday in Denver. Their recent structure improved and their finishing elevated with strong special-teams play.
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Line Movement and Odds
Golden Knights -183, Canadiens +154
Total: 6.0 (over -111, under -110)
Vegas opened as the favorite based on depth, scoring pace and Stone’s return.
Track updated projections on the NHL odds page.
Matchup Breakdown
Montreal overview
Montreal’s win at Utah reflected better chemistry and improved layers in transition. Suzuki owned the night with three points. Demidov added a critical third-period strike. Bolduc contributed with a multi-point outing. Their power play connected twice.
Their offense ranks among the league’s top groups in goals and assists. Their block rate provides defensive support through rotations. They remain competitive despite injuries to several key players. Dobes and Montembeault have alternated with solid stretches.
Montreal needs transition pace, tight puck management and controlled entries to handle Vegas’ forecheck. Their confidence from the Utah win carries into the matchup.
Vegas overview
Stone’s return changes the structure of Vegas’ top six. His reads, retrievals and puck battle wins reset their offensive layers. Jack Eichel continues driving play with 31 points in 23 games. Their power play ranks near the top of the league with 19 goals.
Vegas outshot Ottawa 35-32 and had moments of sustained pressure. Their challenge remains closing games. Their five-on-five play, transition lanes and forecheck remain strong. They need better execution in overtime and shootouts.
Their home environment helps. Their defense blocks lanes and supports Linus Ullmark with structure. Their next steps involve converting chances and finishing close games.
Injuries
Canadiens
- Kirby Dach — Out, foot
- Kaiden Guhle — Out, lower body
- Patrik Laine — Out, lower body
- Alex Newhook — Out, ankle
Full roster details available on the Montreal Canadiens page.
Golden Knights
- Jakub Demek — Out, undisclosed
- Adin Hill — Out, lower body
- William Karlsson — Out, undisclosed
- Jeremy Lauzon — Out, undisclosed
- Alex Pietrangelo — Out, personal reasons
Team overview available on the Vegas Golden Knights page
Betting Trends
- Montreal 8-2 O/U in last 10
- Montreal 4-2 ATS as underdogs
- Vegas 7-4 SU as favorites
- Vegas 0-5 O/U in last five
- Montreal 2-1 SU in last three
- Vegas 2-1 ATS as underdogs
Best Bets and Prediction
Vegas holds the edge with Stone back and improved offensive layers. Montreal enters with momentum, but their depth remains thin with several key absences. Vegas’ pressure, special-teams production and top-line structure create separation at home.
Projected score: Golden Knights 4, Canadiens 2
Best Bet: Golden Knights -183
Total Lean: Over 6.0
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