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Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 12, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 12, 2024 8:28 PM
The Montreal Canadiens, looking to build on their recent shootout win, face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Penguins, currently leading the regular season series 2-0, will aim to extend their advantage over the Canadiens, who are seeking to even the score. This crucial matchup is set to be an intense battle between two determined teams fighting for points in their respective divisions.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens

Current Odds

PIT
MTL
Over
10.5
+150
Under
10.5
-195
PIT
-
-
MTL
-
-
PIT
ML
-
MTL
ML
-

Penguins vs Canadiens statistics

Stat Penguins Canadiens
Goals For per Game 2.83 2.75
Goals Against per Game 3.80 3.54
Shots per Game 29.6 24.2
Shots Against per Game 32.3 29.9
Power Play Goals 19 19
Power Play Goals Against 17 17
Short Handed Goals 3 2
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 214 305
Power Play Percentage 21.6 22.1
Penalty Kill Percentage 80.5 82.5

Montreal Canadiens recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/9/24 vs Anaheim Ducks W 3-2 SO
12/7/24 vs Washington Capitals L 4-2
12/5/24 vs Nashville Predators W 3-0
12/3/24 vs New York Islanders W 2-1 OT
12/1/24 @ Boston Bruins L 6-3

Pittsburgh Penguins recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/10/24 vs Colorado Avalanche L 6-2
12/7/24 vs Toronto Maple Leafs W 5-2
12/6/24 @ New York Rangers L 4-2
12/3/24 vs Florida Panthers W 5-4 OT
11/30/24 vs Calgary Flames W 6-2

Montreal Canadiens injuries

  • Kaiden Guhle (D): Day-To-Day
  • Rafael Harvey-Pinard (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Mike Matheson (D): Day-To-Day
  • Patrik Laine (LW): Injured Reserve
  • David Savard (D): Day-To-Day

Pittsburgh Penguins injuries

  • Philip Tomasino (C): Day-To-Day
  • Cody Glass (C): Injured Reserve
  • Owen Pickering (D): Day-To-Day
  • Blake Lizotte (C): Injured Reserve
  • Kevin Hayes (RW): Injured Reserve

Penguins vs Canadiens game info

Type Info
Venue Bell Centre
Location Montreal, QC
Puck drop Thu 7:00 PM

Penguins vs Canadiens predictions

When you look at the Pittsburgh Penguins gearing up to face the Montreal Canadiens, a few key players come to mind, and their performance could very well tip the scales. Sidney Crosby, always a standout, has been dishing out assists left and right this season, already clocking in 19. If he maintains this vision and precision against Montreal, he could be setting up some crucial plays. Then there's Rickard Rakell, leading the team with 11 goals. Given his knack for finding the back of the net, it's likely he'll be a significant threat, especially if the Canadiens' defense doesn't tighten up around him.

Shifting focus to the Montreal Canadiens, it’s hard not to get excited about what Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki might bring to the ice. Caufield, leading with an impressive haul of 17 goals this season, has a shooting prowess that can catch any goalie off guard. Paired with Suzuki, who has matched Crosby's assist tally and surpassed him in total points with 29, they form a dynamic duo capable of punching through Pittsburgh’s defenses. Their synergy and ability to step up in crucial moments could really light up the scoreboard for Montreal.

Considering both teams’ recent form and top players, this matchup is poised for high tension and skillful play. However, the Penguins might just have the edge here, given their slightly better overall team cohesion and strategic depth. Crosby’s leadership and the offensive support from Rakell make them a tad more likely to snatch a win, especially if they manage to contain Caufield and Suzuki. So, if I had to put my money on it, I’d say Pittsburgh is going to edge out Montreal in what promises to be a closely contested battle. What do you think, could Montreal surprise us all?

Montreal Canadiens

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Montreal Canadiens
players

Pittsburgh Penguins

No
Pittsburgh Penguins
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