Calgary Flames vs Montreal Canadiens Betting Picks

Given that six of the last seven meetings between Calgary and Montreal have been decided by a single goal, it is prudent to take 1.5 goals with the Flames on the puck line. Montreal nipped the Flames, 2-1, in overtime at Calgary on Oct. 22 in the first meeting this season. Despite losing the final two games of its recently concluded five-game homestand, Calgary has stepped up, going 9-4 in December. The Flames are 5-3 in their last eight games. This is an excellent situational spot for the Flames catching Montreal playing for the first time at home following a season-high seven consecutive road games, the last coming three days ago with a 4-3 overtime upset win against the Stars. The last time the Canadiens were home was back on Dec. 20. On top of this, the Canadians host two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida tomorrow. Just three games ago, the Canadians defeated the Hurricanes and then lost to the Blues as a $1.74 favorite in their next game. Take the Flames plus 1.5 goals on the puckline. 

Montreal concluded a four-game homestand going 3-1, with overtime wins over Seattle and Nashville, along with a 4-3 loss to the Rangers as a -130 favorite. They have some weak spots on special teams, ranked 22nd on the power play, and in penalty killing. They head out on the road and are on a 4-11 run away from home. Calgary plays its second straight at home, a place where they went 23-12-6 last season. Calgary has won four in a row against Montreal by an 11-5 count, so back home ice. Play Calgary. 

Both teams are struggling a bit, but Calgary has won eight of 12 against the Atlantic Division and the Flames won both meetings last season. Montreal has lost seven of nine overall and five of its past six versus Pacific Division opponents. Dustin Wolf will likely get the start for the Flames. He won his first three starts of the season before losing his next two and overall he is 3-1-0 with a 3.19 goals-against average. Samuel Montembeault also had a strong start to the season, but he is 1-5-0 since while posting an .843 save percentage. Calgary is 12-2 its past 14 games as a favorite of -110 to -150, and the Canadiens have lost four of their past five home games. Take the Flames.

The Montreal Canadiens have had a rough year, as they own the 3rd worst record in the Eastern Conference. They will open up a long road trip at Calgary tonight. The Flames have not been much better as they sit in 10th place in the Western Conference. The Flames have been a streaky team but right now they are in a down streak as they have won just one of their last four games. They have really struggled on the defensive end of the ice as six of their past seven opponents have scored three times or more. That creates an ominous path in tonight's game as the Flames are 14-32 when they allow three or more goals on the season. Montreal has played well against the Flames where they are 5-1 in the last six meetings and have taken the last three played in Calgary. Make the play on Montreal.