Chicago Blackhawks vs Montreal Canadiens

Montreal is playing its best hockey in perhaps three years as the Canadiens have won six of seven, including three in a row while allowing only four goals. They accomplished a huge upset of Vegas on Tuesday with a 3-2 victory and erasing a 2-0 deficit. Sam Montembeault was clutch with 27 saves, including two in the game's final seconds. Montembeault has a 2.87 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage this season and is confirmed to start tonight's game. A coaching change in Chicago has not made much difference, as the Blackhawks have lost five straight following a 6-2 defeat against St. Louis on Tuesday. The Canadiens are 10-1 in their past 11 games as favorites of -110 to -150, and the Blackhawks have lost 11 of 12 Friday games. Chicago is 11-46 against teams that allowed two or fewer goals in their previous game. Take the Canadiens.

Chicago snapped a four-game skid with a 3-2 win over Montreal on Tuesday as Tyler Johnson broke a third-period tie and Petr Mrazek had 35 saves for the Blackhawks. Mrazek is likely tonight and he has lowered his GAA to 3.04 and his save percentage improved to .909. Montreal is playing a back-to-back after losing 4-3 in overtime at Minnesota last night and Jake Allen is probable in net for the Canadiens with a 4-6-2 record and 3.43 GAA. Montreal is 0-4 playing the day after an overtime game and Chicago has won six of seven Friday games. The Canadiens are playing their third road game in five games and their first two went into overtime. Take the Blackhawks.

Chicago's rebuilding process looks further along than Montreal's, anchored by center Connor Bedard, the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft. The Blackhawks have also added veterans to the roster. They've split their first two games, losing 3-1 at powerhouse Boston along with a 4-2 win at Pittsburgh as a +195 underdog. Montreal has played one game, giving up 6 goals in a loss to Toronto. They allowed 6 goals on just 24 shots for a dismal .792 save percentage. Montreal is 45-63 at home off a road loss to a division rival. The Blackhawks are on a 15-4-4 run against the Canadiens, including winning seven of the last eight in this building. Play Chicago as a Max Play.