The Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins are set to write a new chapter in one of the league’s oldest rivalries Sunday afternoon in Boston.
My Canadiens vs. Bruins predictions see the two sides continuing to play at a slow pace, making for a low-scoring affair.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for December 1.
Canadiens vs Bruins prediction
My Canadiens pick
Under 6 (-130 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
The Montreal Canadiens have really tightened the screws defensively in recent weeks. They’ve slowed their game to a snail’s pace and prioritized playing a more structured game with less transitional play and quick strike offense for both sides.
The change has been very noticeable in the numbers. Montreal ranks 12th in shot suppression and 9th in expected goals against at 5v5 over the past 10 games. This while playing the league’s lowest-event hockey.
It is leading to some success — the Canadiens are 3-2-1 in the past six games — so this is a style I think they’ll continue to lean into, especially in the latter half of a back-to-back.
The Boston Bruins should welcome that style of game. Their roster doesn’t feature much high-end talent or game-breaking speed. The team is built to play a slow, methodical game where they grind teams down to find success.
They have also played extremely low-event hockey under new head coach Joe Sacco. The Bruins have allowed only 117 shots spanning five games (23.4 per) since he took over behind the bench.
Boston has scored 10 goals in that span while allowing just eight. Both outputs are the fewest in the NHL.
The Bruins simply aren’t equipped to get into track meets or play run-and-gun hockey with younger rosters. Sacco is clearly coaching accordingly.
Shots and chances should come few and far between in this game. If the goaltending holds up, there really shouldn’t be much offense.
Canadiens vs Bruins same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 6
McAvoy Under 0.5 points
Coyle Under 0.5 points
Charlie McAvoy is having a very difficult offensive season. He started the year on a strong note, recording three points over his first two games. He has since found the scoresheet in only four of his past 23 games. He is not making much happen at 5v5 and the Bruins have struggled so much on the power play that Brad Marchand and Elias Lindholm — two of the highest-paid players on the roster — have been taken off the top power play in an effort to balance the units and find goals from somewhere.
Meanwhile, Charlie Coyle has recorded a point in only six of 25 games (24%) and is skating on a line with Trent Frederic and a rotating cast of characters on the 3rd line.
Boston has scored just 1.80 goals per 60 minutes with Coyle and Frederic on the ice. They don’t pack much punch offensively.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Canadiens vs Bruins odds
Canadiens vs Bruins live odds
Canadiens vs Bruins opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-143) | Boston -1.5 (+124)
- Moneyline: Montreal +186 | Boston -215
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-117) | Under 5.5 (+102)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Canadiens vs Bruins trend
Charlie McAvoy has gone pointless in five of his past six games. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Bruins.
How to watch Canadiens vs Bruins
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Sunday, 12-1-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN |
Canadiens vs Bruins latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
