Montreal Canadiens vs New Jersey Devils Betting Picks

It's the second of a back-to-back for both teams, playing each other yesterday. New Jersey has scored three goals in its last two road contests. The offense is 27th in goals scored (2.78 per game) and 31st in shooting percentage. Montreal has won eight in a row, allowing an average of 1.75 goals. The Canadiens are on a 10-4 run UNDER the total. Take New Jersey/Montreal UNDER the total. 

At some point, regression might come for Montreal. But right now, the Canadiens are a joy to watch. They lead the Eastern Conference after 13 games. Montreal played probably its worst game of the season, according to HC Martin St. Louis, in a 5-4 shootout loss at home to the Flyers two days ago. Yet even when they were down by three goals, the Canadiens nearly pulled the game out, coming from behind to force the shootout. Now Montreal takes to the road looking to win its sixth away game in the last seven road matchups. The Canadiens catch the Devils at a situational disadvantage. New Jersey may not have its complete focus, having recently returned from a four-game West Coast swing that ended with a 4-1 loss to Anaheim. The Devils have been up and down, with a below-average defense that has allowed 40 goals through 13 games. Montreal is the No. 2 scoring team in the NHL and has the fifth-best power play. Don't expect a second straight flat performance, as they have not lost two consecutive games all season. Take the Canadiens. 

Montreal caught fire about a month ago, and the Canadiens have won 13 of 18, although they do come off a 4-2 loss to Detroit on Thursday. They are expected to have rookie sensation Jakub Dobes in the crease and he is 5-0-0 with a 1.55 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage, including a shutout. New Jersey has lost four of five, but the Devils did defeat Boston 5-1 on Wednesday. The Devils have lost seven of eight road games, and they are 10-4 UNDER against Eastern Conference teams. New Jersey is 9-2 UNDER its past 11 games overall. Montreal has won five of seven home contests and four straight overall after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous game. New Jersey has lost four road games in a row against teams with winning home records. The Devils have stayed UNDER five of six playing with two days rest and they are 8-2 UNDER following a win. Take the Canadiens and the UNDER.