Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens

Montreal is outscored by 26 goals, the worst differential in the Eastern Conference. They're 3-9-1 on the road, losing their last three away from home by a 14-8 count. The offense is 23rd in goals scored, while the defense is 31st in goals given up (3.65 per game) and 30th in save percentage (.884). Detroit was a terrific offensive team last season (ninth in scoring) and is beginning to find its groove, winning three of four and tallying 17 goals. The Red Wings are playing their third consecutive home contest. The power play ranks eighth, while the defense is 13th in save percentage (.904). Play the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Washington loss, which is surprising given the Wings' 7-15 record over the past six weeks. Down 4-1 in the second period last night, Detroit came back to defeat Montreal 5-4 in overtime, but now they travel northeast to the Bell Centre for the second-half of this home-and-home. Detroit will turn to James Reimer in net and he is 10-8-2 with a 3.07 goals-against average this season, allowing four goals on 36 shots in his last appearance, Saturday against Toronto. Cayden Primeau is likely for the Canadiens with a 2.95 goals-against average this season. Montreal is 52-29 on the puckline and it has won four in a row at home versus teams with losing road records. Montreal is in spoiler mode, and I look for a good defensive battle as they seek revenge for Monday's loss. Take the Canadiens on the puckline, and bet this one to stay UNDER.

Montreal is on a 5-6 run winning as underdogs of +135, +315, +140, +150, and +125. The offense has come alive netting 28 goals over the last seven contests. The Canadiens are 10-4 against teams averaging three or fewer shots on goal than their opponent. Detroit is on a 3-7 slide, including a 2-1 loss at home to Washington as -150 chalk. The defense is 24th in goals allowed (3.31 per game), 15th in save percentage, and 17th in penalty killing. Detroit comes off a 5-4 win at Toronto but is 3-10 at home after playing a game where eight or more total goals were scored. Play Montreal. 

Montreal is on a 4-6 run, topping Winnipeg (4-3) and Buffalo (3-1) as underdogs of +155 and +140, while losing 3-2 games at Vegas and Arizona as dogs of +105 and +190. Montreal is 15-10 off a home loss, plus 14-7 off a home loss by 2 or more goals. Meanwhile, favored Detroit has dropped five of seven allowing four goals or more in five of them. That included a 5-4 loss at home to Seattle as chalk. And the Red Wings are 109-123 at home when total is 6 or more goals. Play Montreal.