NHL Best Bets: Canadiens vs. Flames Game Picks

Two Canadian teams with opposite expectations will face off tonight, with the Montreal Canadiens visiting the Calgary Flames.

All Odds Courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Montreal Canadiens (+225) vs. Calgary Flames (-280) Total: 6 (O -115, U -105)

Even with low expectations, the Habs have quietly played some solid hockey to begin the season, posting a 6-4 record over their last ten games. On the other hand, the Flames were expected to be in much better shape, sitting 5-4-1 over that same sample. It should hardly be a surprise that the Flames are big favorites tonight on the moneyline at -280, while the Habs are coming in at +225. 

Both teams’ powerplays have struggled, sitting in the bottom third of the league, while their penalty kills have been strong points, so don’t expect many special teams goals. The Canadiens play a solid team game, performing above expectations through two months. Still, the Flames will clog the neutral zone to slow the Canadiens down and control play.

Looking at the projected goalie matchup, the visiting Canadiens should turn to Samuel Montembeault, while the Flames will likely look to Jacob Markstrom. The Canadiens netminder has a 5-2-1 record with a .924 save percentage, while Markstrom is 8-5-2 with a .889 save percentage. 

Montreal won’t go down without a fight, but the Flames should win this game while tacking on an extra goal.

Best Bet: Flames puck line -1.5 (-114) 

The Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens aren’t known for their goal-scoring. The Habs are 24th in goals scored per game, while the Flames are 20th. Both teams have talented players that can score, but with the Flames controlling the matchup game and the Habs’ offensive issues, the under is easy to gravitate towards at -105. 

Best Bet: Under six (-105) 

Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau loves playing against his hometown team and isn’t afraid to say it. He hasn’t had the strongest start in Calgary, but he’s slowly picking up the pace. Huberdeau has four goals and eight assists in 19 games, and there’s reason to be bullish about him going on a scoring run soon. Even though the Flames aren’t scoring at a high pace, there’s definite value in backing Huberdeau, with his price to score set at +225. 

Best Prop: Jonathan Huberdeau to Record Over 0.5 Goals (+225)