Montreal at Pittsburgh

First-place Montreal has a winning road record with great balance ranking fifth in the NHL in goals scored and allowed. The Canadiens are 18-8 against the Eastern Conference, plus 12-5 when playing on one day of rest. Pittsburgh is not as strong defensively as last season at #19 in goals allowed, #24 in penalty killing. The road team has taken six of eight meetings when these teams clash and the Canadiens are a sizzling 35-17 against the Metropolitan Division, so back the first-place dog and take Montreal.