Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Odds | 08 Jan 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Panthers vs Canadiens

The Florida Panthers square off against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, with face-off scheduled for 20:00 on Thursday, January 8.

The sportsbooks have been generous with the -141 that we see the Panthers and the Canadiens score Over 5.5 goals combined. We’re expecting the lamp to be lit multiple times.

Florida Panthers suffered a defeat in their previous game. A 4-1 scoreline occurred on the road at Scotiabank Arena against Toronto Maple Leafs. Panthers racked up 32 shots and Carter Verhaeghe bagged the only goal.

Montreal Canadiens won their last game 4-1, making it three home wins on the bounce. This was recorded at Bell Centre against Calgary Flames. The goals were shared around between four players including Alexandre Texier. Goalie Jacob Fowler produced a great performance and had 28 saves (.966).

Head-to-Head Statistics

These two teams last met at Amerant Bank Arena, with the Habs claiming the win. Beating the Panthers by a 3-2 scoreline. The Habs have triumphed in their previous six meetings against the Panthers. On the head-to-head front, it has been 6 wins out of 10.

Starting Goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	25-20-1	3	.879	4
23/24	36-17-3	2.37	.915	6

Sam Montembeault (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	10-8-4	3.5	.872	0
23/24	16-15-9	3.14	.903	0

5 wins, 4 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 2.6 goals from 30.0 shots on goal, with a 10.6% powerplay efficiency. The Panthers have given up 3.3 goals from 26.1 shots, averaging 5.1 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 86.3%.

Sam Reinhart is the top points scorer with 12 points, 6 goals and 6 assists, with Brad Marchand recording 11 points, 4 goals and 7 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky have a 3.05 goal against average with a .871 save percentage.

The Habs have 7 wins, 1 loss and 2 overtime losses, averaging 3.9 goals from 28.6 shots on goal, with a 13.5% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 2.3 goals from 25.6 shots, averaging 3.6 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 86.1%.

The top points scorer is Lane Hutson with 15 points, 3 goals and 12 assists, while Juraj Slafkovsky is next in line after registering 13 points, 6 goals and 7 assists. Goalie Jacob Fowler have a 2.25 GAA with a .907 SV%.

Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Picks

This expert Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens betting breakdown features our match prediction, a correct score tip, player prop suggestions and a carefully constructed bet builder to guide your wagers.

Game Prediction

The two teams should combine to go over the total goals line in this NHL clash. Our pick is available at -141 which looks an attractive price.

The NHL handicappers at Sportsgambler.com stay on top of injuries and team form that could impact the outcome. We also leave no stone unturned when analyzing the latest hockey stats to support every prediction.

Key Panthers vs Canadiens stats:

• The 5.5 line has been covered in 13 of the last 20 Panthers games on the road.
• The 5.5 line has been covered in 6 of the last 10 Panthers games.
• The 5.5 line has been covered in 12 of the last 20 Canadiens games at home.

Over 5.5 Probability

According to the top NHL sportsbooks, there’s a 58.5% likelihood of our pick landing a return. However, our analysts research has found that the actual probability is between 65-70%. It is therefore regarded as a value wager.

If you’re wanting bigger odds when betting on the Totals, then the good news is that you can be in control of the line. Get more juice by wagering Over a certain number.

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Our Game Prediction

Over 5.5 Goals @ -141 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Jan 8, 02:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Cole Caufield Over 0.5 Assists +125

Cole Caufield (Canadiens) has finished with one assist or more in 3 straight games at home. There’s an opportunity to bet on Player Assists and the odds look attractive, with +125 available that the line is covered.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Panthers 2 - 5 Canadiens

The Canadiens are available at +1700 to secure a 5-2 victory. Many bettors enjoy a correct score wager and there are some nice potential returns to be had.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Panthers

Canadiens

1-0

Panthers

+5500

Canadiens

+5500

2-0

Panthers

+5000

Canadiens

+4500

2-1

Panthers

+1500

Canadiens

+1400

3-0

Panthers

+3300

Canadiens

+3300

3-1

Panthers

+1900

Canadiens

+1900

3-2

Panthers

+850

Canadiens

+850

4-0

Panthers

+4000

Canadiens

+4000

4-1

Panthers

+1600

Canadiens

+1600

4-2

Panthers

+1600

Canadiens

+1600

4-3

Panthers

+1000

Canadiens

+1000

5-0

Panthers

+7000

Canadiens

+7500

5-1

Panthers

+2500

Canadiens

+2800

5-2

Panthers

+1700

Canadiens

+1700

5-3

Panthers

+2200

Canadiens

+2400

5-4

Panthers

+2000

Canadiens

+2000

6-0

Panthers

+11000

Canadiens

+11000

6-1

Panthers

+6000

Canadiens

+6000

6-2

Panthers

+3300

Canadiens

+3300

6-3

Panthers

+2900

Canadiens

+3000

6-4

Panthers

+4500

Canadiens

+5000

6-5

Panthers

+5000

Canadiens

+5000

7-1

Panthers

+10000

Canadiens

+10000

7-2

Panthers

+8000

Canadiens

+9000

7-3

Panthers

+5500

Canadiens

+6000

7-4

Panthers

+6600

Canadiens

+6600

7-5

Panthers

+10000

Canadiens

+11000

7-6

Panthers

+11000

Canadiens

+11000

8-2

Panthers

+13000

Canadiens

+14000

8-3

Panthers

+13000

Canadiens

+14000

8-4

Panthers

+11000

Canadiens

+12000

8-5

Panthers

+14000

Canadiens

+14000

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Florida Panthers vs Montreal Canadiens Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

With a 54% chance of securing victory, Florida Panthers are favorites for this game and the sportsbooks have them at betting odds of -118. Montreal Canadiens are the underdogs at -102 and they’re regarded as least likely to win.

The puck line is 1.5, with the total goals line at 6.5. A Totals wager is always available and can often provide value selections. If you fancy Over 6.5, this outcome can be backed at +112.

You can find a huge selection of team props and game lines for every National Hockey League matchup, with the top betting apps creating many different options. Check out the in-game and pre-game selections before placing your wagers.

Moneyline

Panthers

-118

Canadiens

-102

3-Way Moneyline

Panthers

+143

Tie

+325

Canadiens

+148

Puck Line

Panthers -1.5

+210

Canadiens +1.5

-263

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-139

Over 6.5

+112

If you have a view on Goals, Assists, Points, Blocked Shots or Saves, then the goalie and player props could be an option. It’s a fantastic way of betting on a player to perform well and the gambling sites provide many options.

Among the various options for wagering on the NHL, you will find that micro betting is provided. It focuses on short-term in-game outcomes such as whether a goal will be scored within the next 10 minutes.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Florida Panthers Stats

Montreal Canadiens Stats

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 2 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.00 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.50 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 5.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 on the Road: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.70 goals and allowed 3.30 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.80 pts and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.40 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 5.70 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 5.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 at Home: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.90 goals and allowed 2.50 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.10 goals and allowed 2.60 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 30
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 5.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 12
• Blocks: 16.8
• Faceoff Wins : 28.6
• Hits: 27.2
• Giveaways: 13.1
• Takeaways: 4.3

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 27.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 4.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 9.7
• Blocks: 13.5
• Faceoff Wins : 26.6
• Hits: 24.4
• Giveaways: 14.6
• Takeaways: 5.5

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 28.6
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.6
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 8.9
• Blocks: 13.8
• Faceoff Wins : 28.1
• Hits: 22.1
• Giveaways: 13.4
• Takeaways: 4.7

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 27.5
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 4.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 10.7
• Blocks: 13.9
• Faceoff Wins : 26.1
• Hits: 22.7
• Giveaways: 13
• Takeaways: 4

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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