The return of offseason acquisition Patrik Laine has been fantastic for the Montreal Canadiens, and the Habs head to Little Caesars Arena to take on the Detroit Red Wings.
Laine headlines my top Canadiens vs. Red Wings predictions, and I’m anticipating plenty of goals in the Motor City tonight.
Read more in my NHL picks for Friday, December 20.
Canadiens vs Red Wings prediction
My Canadiens pick
Patrik Laine Over 2.5 shots (-120 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
It’s been a solid return to action for Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine.
He’s recorded three or more shots in four of six games while pacing the Habs in both shots (22) and attempts (35), which includes being the go-to shooter on the No. 1 power-play unit — with 14 of his shots and 19 of his attempts coming with the man advantage.
Laine’s role is also significantly sheltered with 79% of his faceoffs coming in the offensive zone at five-on-five. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings have taken 22 penalties through their past eight games, which is the 11th most since the calendar flipped to December.
With the Red Wings already allowing the fifth-most shots per game (30.5) for the season, they’re a particularly good matchup for Laine to eclipse tonight's shots prop.
Canadiens vs Red Wings same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 6
Patrik Laine Over 2.5 shots
Brendan Gallagher Over 1.5 shots
There have been six or more total goals in four of the past five Canadiens games, and there have been six or more in three of the last four Red Wings contests. Montreal has also allowed the second-most expected goals per 60 (2.99) at five-on-five for the season, while Detroit has surrendered a middling 2.49 per 60.
Turning to the final leg of this SGP, we’re landing a sweet price on Brendan Gallagher's O/U. Although the veteran winger has failed to register a shot in three consecutive games, he's racked up the third-most attempts (12) on the team.
Gallagher registered two or more shots in each of the five games before the donut run, and he’s recorded two or more in 18 of 32 games this season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Red Wings odds
Canadiens vs Red Wings live odds
Canadiens vs Red Wings opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-190) | Detroit -1.5 (+155)
- Moneyline: Montreal +130 | Detroit -155
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of BET99
Canadiens vs Red Wings trend
Laine has recorded 3+ shots in four of six games while pacing the club in both shots (22) and attempts (35) since returning from injury. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Red Wings.
How to watch Canadiens vs Red Wings
| Location: | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date: | Friday, 12-20-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | RDS |
Canadiens vs Red Wings latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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