Pittsburgh Penguins

Ice Hockey NHL Bell Centre Sat 20 Dec 19:00

Montreal Canadiens

  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Correct Score
  4. Odds
  5. Team Stats
  6. Player Stats
  7. Player Props
  8. Team News
  9. Lineups
  10. Injuries
  11. Roster
  12. Standings

NHL Betting Preview: Penguins vs Canadiens

The Pittsburgh Penguins meet the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Saturday, December 20.

Penguins Against Canadiens Promises to be Tight Battle

Our prediction is for the Penguins and the Canadiens to score Under 6.5 combined. Take the -115 that the teams fail to find the net enough times to win this wager.

Expecting things to stay tight? Grab the latest BetMGM promo code and read our comprehensive review before placing your bet.

Canadiens Claimed 4-2 Win in Previous H2H

Pittsburgh Penguins have been defeated in their previous seven games. On the road, they recently suffered a 4-0 loss against Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Penguins came off worse for shots on goal, 24 to 26.

Montreal Canadiens won their last game which was at home. It was a 4-1 triumph at Bell Centre against Chicago Blackhawks. Zachary Bolduc scored two goals, with Noah Dobson and Nick Suzuki also scoring. Goalie Jakub Dobes made a total of 14 saves (.933).

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Habs beat the Penguins in their last head-to-head encounter. It was a 4-2 scoreline at PPG PAINTS Arena. The previous 10 H2H meetings have involved the Penguins winning six times.

Starting Goalies

Stuart Skinner (Expected)
Season W-L-OTL: GAA: SV%: SO:
24/25 11-9-4 2.9 .887 2
23/24 36-16-5 2.62 .905 2
Jakub Dobes (Expected)
Season W-L-OTL: GAA: SV%: SO:
24/25 12-5-2 2.9 .893 0
Pittsburgh Penguins – Last 10 Games

2 wins, 4 losses and 4 overtime losses, averaging 3.1 goals from 32.1 shots on goal, with a 27.9% powerplay efficiency. The Penguins have given up 4.1 goals from 28.8 shots, averaging 4.3 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 76.7%.

Bryan Rust is the top points scorer with 11 points, 5 goals and 6 assists, with Sidney Crosby racking up 10 points, 4 goals and 6 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Tristan Jarry have a 2.83 goal against average with a .903 save percentage.

Montreal Canadiens – Last 10 Games

The Habs have 5 wins, 4 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 2.6 goals from 27.0 shots on goal, with a 22.9% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 3.1 goals from 26.0 shots, averaging 3.8 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 84.2%.

The top points scorer is Nick Suzuki with 11 points, 3 goals and 8 assists, while Lane Hutson is next best after registering 11 points, 1 goal and 10 assists. Goalie Jakub Dobes have a 2.21 GAA with a .908 SV%.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Picks

The Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens betting tips feature sharp analysis across major markets, including a key match prediction, player prop bets, correct score guidance and a ready-made bet builder.

Game Prediction

We’re going under the line in this NHL clash. Our pick is available at -115 and we’re expecting the teams to find the net six times or less.

Our hockey picks are rooted in solid team news and up-to-date form for each franchise. We also dig deep to uncover the most relevant NHL stats that help guide and strengthen our predictions.

Key Penguins vs Canadiens stats:

  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 12 of the last 20 Penguins games on the road.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 Penguins games on the road.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 2 Penguins games on the road.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 4 of the last 5 Canadiens games.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 Canadiens games.
  • The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 3 Canadiens games.

Under 6.5 Probability

When you look at the latest odds, our pick has a 53.5% chance of landing a return. Based on our in-depth research, we calculate the actual probability to be closer to 60%. That means we’re regarding it as a value wager.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

Bettors in search of a larger potential return on their Total wager can look to go under a different number of goals. This is achieved by moving the line until you’re happy with the odds.

Your next bet could start with a welcome bonus. Explore our expert guide to the newest sign-up and betting offers.

Our Game Prediction
Under 6.5 Goals @ -115 Bet Now BetMGM logo
BetMGM logo
BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+
Gamble responsibly 18+. All odds are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. To use the Bookmaker Live Streaming services you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo-restrictions apply.
Published 23:56, 19 December 2025

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Zack Bolduc Over 1.5 Shots -154 BetMGM logo

Zack Bolduc (Canadiens) has recorded Over 1.5 shots on goal in 5 straight games. The stats suggest that he can oblige with our Overs wager and we’re more than happy to take the -154 available.

Latest Zack Bolduc Player Prop Odds

T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+

Same Game Parlay Picks

Totals Under 6.5
To Score Bryan Rust
Shots on Goal Zack Bolduc Over 1.5

Our same game parlay pick is Under 6.5 goals, Bryan Rust (Penguins) to score and Zack Bolduc (Canadiens) to have Over 1.5 shots.

A same game parlay allows hockey bettors to place a multiple wager on the same game. You can go through the available betting lines and props and cherry-pick the outcomes that you think will happen. The odds for each selection are then combined together.

T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

Canadiens Betting Favorites on the Moneyline

Montreal Canadiens are regarded as having a 60% chance of winning this game according to the latest betting odds. The sportsbooks have priced them up at -147. If you’re looking for an alternative angle, Pittsburgh Penguins are trading at +122.

1.5 is where the puck line lies, with total goals being 6.5 right now. There are many ways to wager on hockey including Totals. If you want to back Over 6.5, it’s -105.

If you're looking to place a National Hockey League wager, head to the top betting apps and explore the wide range of team props and game lines. Take your time to find the lines and odds that offer the best value.

Cole Caufield is the First Goalscorer Favorite

Cole Caufield can be backed to find the net at anytime at +135. There is the chance to back the market leader to score the first goal at +1000.

Player Goals

Cole Caufield (Canadiens)
First
+135
Anytime
+1000
BetMGM Logo
Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
First
+165
Anytime
+1100
BetMGM Logo
Nick Suzuki (Canadiens)
First
+175
Anytime
+1200
BetMGM Logo
Bryan Rust (Penguins)
First
+195
Anytime
+1400
BetMGM Logo

Player Assists

Nick Suzuki (Canadiens)
Over 0.5
-161
Under 0.5
+120
BetMGM Logo
Lane Hutson (Canadiens)
Over 0.5
-145
Under 0.5
+110
BetMGM Logo
Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
Over 0.5
+105
Under 0.5
-145
BetMGM Logo
Erik Karlsson (Penguins)
Over 0.5
+105
Under 0.5
-145
BetMGM Logo

Player Shots

Cole Caufield (Canadiens)
Over 2.5
-154
Under 2.5
+115
BetMGM Logo
Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
Over 2.5
+105
Under 2.5
-141
BetMGM Logo
Nick Suzuki (Canadiens)
Over 2.5
+140
Under 2.5
-189
BetMGM Logo
Bryan Rust (Penguins)
Over 2.5
-100
Under 2.5
-135
BetMGM Logo
Micro Betting

Instead of focusing on the overall outcome, some bettors prefer to look at the NHL micro betting lines. As the name suggests, it means placing short-term wagers and this might include the Next Goalscorer or Next Goal.

Best Betting Offers
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Pittsburgh Penguins logo Pittsburgh Penguins Stats
Montreal Canadiens logo Montreal Canadiens Stats
Moneyline
  • 2 wins and 8 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 home games
Puck Line
Puck Line
Total Goals
Total Goals
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team News
# Player GP MIN G A P +/-
87 Sidney Crosby 33 19.68 19 16 35 -6
71 Evgeni Malkin 26 17.49 8 21 29 5
17 Bryan Rust 31 20.39 12 16 28 -5
# Player GP MIN G A P +/-
14 Nick Suzuki 34 20.65 10 29 39 12
13 Cole Caufield 34 18.38 17 17 34 7
48 Lane Hutson 34 23.34 5 26 31 2

Injuries & Suspensions

Pittsburgh Penguins Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Blake Lizotte
Injured
Filip Haallander
Injured
Caleb Jones
Injured
Evgeni Malkin
Injured

Montreal Canadiens Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Kaiden Guhle
Injured
Alex Newhook
Injured
Kirby Dach
Injured
Mike Matheson
Injured
Patrik Laine
Injured

Starting Lineups

Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.

Previous Pittsburgh Penguins Lineups

18 Dec NHL
Penguins 0-4 Senators
16 Dec NHL
Oilers 6-4 Penguins
14 Dec NHL
Mammoth 5-4 Penguins
13 Dec NHL
Sharks 6-5 Penguins
11 Dec NHL
Canadiens 4-2 Penguins
09 Dec NHL
Ducks 4-3 Penguins
07 Dec NHL
Penguins 2-3 Stars
04 Dec NHL
Penguins 4-3 Lightning
01 Dec NHL
Penguins 5-1 Flyers
29 Nov NHL
Maple Leafs 7-2 Penguins

Previous Montreal Canadiens Lineups

18 Dec NHL
Blackhawks 1-4 Canadiens
16 Dec NHL
Flyers 4-1 Canadiens
14 Dec NHL
Oilers 1-4 Canadiens
13 Dec NHL
Canadiens 4-5 Rangers
11 Dec NHL
Canadiens 4-2 Penguins
09 Dec NHL
Lightning 6-1 Canadiens
07 Dec NHL
Blues 4-3 Canadiens
06 Dec NHL
Canadiens 2-1 Maple Leafs
03 Dec NHL
Jets 2-3 Canadiens
02 Dec NHL
Senators 5-2 Canadiens
NHL Standings Select Season
Metropolitan GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Carolina 34 22 9 3 47 0.691 14 18 115 95 20 11-5-1 11-4-2 4-2 7-3 1L
2 Washington 34 19 11 4 42 0.618 18 19 110 88 22 11-5-2 8-6-2 0-4 6-4 1W
3 New Jersey 35 20 14 1 41 0.586 13 17 101 105 -4 10-6-1 10-8-0 3-0 4-6 2W
4 NY Islanders 35 19 13 3 41 0.586 13 16 103 100 3 10-7-2 9-6-1 3-3 6-4 2L
5 Philadelphia 33 17 10 6 40 0.606 10 12 99 94 5 10-5-4 7-5-2 5-2 4-6 1L
6 NY Rangers 36 17 15 4 38 0.528 11 16 91 96 -5 4-10-3 13-5-1 1-0 4-6 1W
7 Pittsburgh 33 14 10 9 37 0.561 13 14 103 106 -3 6-6-5 8-4-4 0-5 2-8 7L
8 Columbus 34 14 14 6 34 0.5 7 10 102 120 -18 7-6-3 7-8-3 4-1 3-7 1L
East Atlantic GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Detroit 35 19 13 3 41 0.586 15 17 108 115 -7 10-7-1 9-6-2 2-2 6-4 1L
2 Florida 34 19 13 2 40 0.588 16 17 110 106 4 12-6-2 7-7-0 2-1 7-3 4W
3 Montreal 34 18 12 4 40 0.588 11 16 110 118 -8 9-9-1 9-3-3 2-2 5-5 1W
4 Boston 35 20 15 0 40 0.571 14 18 114 109 5 12-6-0 8-9-0 2-0 6-4 1L
5 Tampa Bay 34 18 13 3 39 0.574 15 18 107 90 17 8-9-0 10-4-3 0-1 3-7 3L
6 Ottawa 33 16 13 4 36 0.545 11 13 105 104 1 7-6-2 9-7-2 3-0 4-6 2W
7 Toronto 33 15 13 5 35 0.53 11 15 105 108 -3 10-5-5 5-8-0 0-1 5-5 1L
8 Buffalo 33 15 14 4 34 0.515 11 13 103 112 -9 10-5-2 5-9-2 2-0 6-4 4W
East Central GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 34 25 2 7 57 0.838 23 25 136 79 57 14-0-2 11-2-5 0-4 8-2 4W
2 Dallas 35 23 7 5 51 0.729 19 20 120 93 27 11-5-1 12-2-4 3-2 7-3 2W
3 Minnesota 35 21 9 5 47 0.671 15 18 109 89 20 12-3-4 9-6-1 3-1 7-3 6W
4 Utah 37 17 17 3 37 0.5 13 17 112 108 4 8-6-1 9-11-2 0-0 5-5 1L
5 St Louis 36 13 15 8 34 0.472 13 13 88 125 -37 7-8-5 6-7-3 0-2 4-6 1L
6 Winnipeg 34 15 17 2 32 0.471 13 14 100 103 -3 8-7-1 7-10-1 1-1 2-8 3L
7 Chicago 34 13 15 6 32 0.471 12 13 94 105 -11 7-6-3 6-9-3 0-2 3-7 4L
8 Nashville 33 13 16 4 30 0.455 9 11 93 115 -22 8-9-2 5-7-2 2-0 6-4 1L
West Pacific GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Vegas 32 16 6 10 42 0.656 12 15 97 92 5 7-4-5 9-2-5 1-4 6-4 1L
2 Anaheim 34 20 12 2 42 0.618 12 16 121 112 9 11-4-0 9-8-2 4-0 5-5 1L
3 Edmonton 35 17 12 6 40 0.571 12 17 119 119 0 8-3-3 9-9-3 0-2 7-3 2W
4 LA Kings 34 15 10 9 39 0.574 10 14 88 90 -2 4-6-4 11-4-5 1-5 4-6 1W
5 San Jose 35 17 15 3 37 0.529 9 16 105 118 -13 10-6-3 7-9-0 1-1 5-5 1L
6 Calgary 35 14 17 4 32 0.457 11 12 91 105 -14 8-5-2 6-12-2 2-2 6-4 1W
7 Vancouver 34 14 17 3 31 0.456 10 12 96 113 -17 4-10-1 10-7-2 2-0 4-6 3W
8 Seattle 32 12 14 6 30 0.469 7 12 79 102 -23 7-7-3 5-7-3 0-3 1-9 4L
Eastern GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Carolina 34 22 9 3 47 0.691 14 18 115 95 20 11-5-1 11-4-2 4-2 7-3 1L
2 Washington 34 19 11 4 42 0.618 18 19 110 88 22 11-5-2 8-6-2 0-4 6-4 1W
3 Detroit 35 19 13 3 41 0.586 15 17 108 115 -7 10-7-1 9-6-2 2-2 6-4 1L
4 New Jersey 35 20 14 1 41 0.586 13 17 101 105 -4 10-6-1 10-8-0 3-0 4-6 2W
5 NY Islanders 35 19 13 3 41 0.586 13 16 103 100 3 10-7-2 9-6-1 3-3 6-4 2L
6 Philadelphia 33 17 10 6 40 0.606 10 12 99 94 5 10-5-4 7-5-2 5-2 4-6 1L
7 Florida 34 19 13 2 40 0.588 16 17 110 106 4 12-6-2 7-7-0 2-1 7-3 4W
8 Montreal 34 18 12 4 40 0.588 11 16 110 118 -8 9-9-1 9-3-3 2-2 5-5 1W
9 Boston 35 20 15 0 40 0.571 14 18 114 109 5 12-6-0 8-9-0 2-0 6-4 1L
10 Tampa Bay 34 18 13 3 39 0.574 15 18 107 90 17 8-9-0 10-4-3 0-1 3-7 3L
11 NY Rangers 36 17 15 4 38 0.528 11 16 91 96 -5 4-10-3 13-5-1 1-0 4-6 1W
12 Pittsburgh 33 14 10 9 37 0.561 13 14 103 106 -3 6-6-5 8-4-4 0-5 2-8 7L
13 Ottawa 33 16 13 4 36 0.545 11 13 105 104 1 7-6-2 9-7-2 3-0 4-6 2W
14 Toronto 33 15 13 5 35 0.53 11 15 105 108 -3 10-5-5 5-8-0 0-1 5-5 1L
15 Buffalo 33 15 14 4 34 0.515 11 13 103 112 -9 10-5-2 5-9-2 2-0 6-4 4W
16 Columbus 34 14 14 6 34 0.5 7 10 102 120 -18 7-6-3 7-8-3 4-1 3-7 1L
Western GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 34 25 2 7 57 0.838 23 25 136 79 57 14-0-2 11-2-5 0-4 8-2 4W
2 Dallas 35 23 7 5 51 0.729 19 20 120 93 27 11-5-1 12-2-4 3-2 7-3 2W
3 Minnesota 35 21 9 5 47 0.671 15 18 109 89 20 12-3-4 9-6-1 3-1 7-3 6W
4 Vegas 32 16 6 10 42 0.656 12 15 97 92 5 7-4-5 9-2-5 1-4 6-4 1L
5 Anaheim 34 20 12 2 42 0.618 12 16 121 112 9 11-4-0 9-8-2 4-0 5-5 1L
6 Edmonton 35 17 12 6 40 0.571 12 17 119 119 0 8-3-3 9-9-3 0-2 7-3 2W
7 LA Kings 34 15 10 9 39 0.574 10 14 88 90 -2 4-6-4 11-4-5 1-5 4-6 1W
8 San Jose 35 17 15 3 37 0.529 9 16 105 118 -13 10-6-3 7-9-0 1-1 5-5 1L
9 Utah 37 17 17 3 37 0.5 13 17 112 108 4 8-6-1 9-11-2 0-0 5-5 1L
10 St Louis 36 13 15 8 34 0.472 13 13 88 125 -37 7-8-5 6-7-3 0-2 4-6 1L
11 Winnipeg 34 15 17 2 32 0.471 13 14 100 103 -3 8-7-1 7-10-1 1-1 2-8 3L
12 Chicago 34 13 15 6 32 0.471 12 13 94 105 -11 7-6-3 6-9-3 0-2 3-7 4L
13 Calgary 35 14 17 4 32 0.457 11 12 91 105 -14 8-5-2 6-12-2 2-2 6-4 1W
14 Vancouver 34 14 17 3 31 0.456 10 12 96 113 -17 4-10-1 10-7-2 2-0 4-6 3W
15 Seattle 32 12 14 6 30 0.469 7 12 79 102 -23 7-7-3 5-7-3 0-3 1-9 4L
16 Nashville 33 13 16 4 30 0.455 9 11 93 115 -22 8-9-2 5-7-2 2-0 6-4 1L
GP W L OT PTS P% RW ROW GF GA DIFF Home Road S/O L10 Strk
1 Colorado 34 25 2 7 57 0.838 23 25 136 79 57 14-0-2 11-2-5 0-4 8-2 4W
2 Dallas 35 23 7 5 51 0.729 19 20 120 93 27 11-5-1 12-2-4 3-2 7-3 2W
3 Carolina 34 22 9 3 47 0.691 14 18 115 95 20 11-5-1 11-4-2 4-2 7-3 1L
4 Minnesota 35 21 9 5 47 0.671 15 18 109 89 20 12-3-4 9-6-1 3-1 7-3 6W
5 Vegas 32 16 6 10 42 0.656 12 15 97 92 5 7-4-5 9-2-5 1-4 6-4 1L
6 Washington 34 19 11 4 42 0.618 18 19 110 88 22 11-5-2 8-6-2 0-4 6-4 1W
7 Anaheim 34 20 12 2 42 0.618 12 16 121 112 9 11-4-0 9-8-2 4-0 5-5 1L
8 Detroit 35 19 13 3 41 0.586 15 17 108 115 -7 10-7-1 9-6-2 2-2 6-4 1L
9 New Jersey 35 20 14 1 41 0.586 13 17 101 105 -4 10-6-1 10-8-0 3-0 4-6 2W
10 NY Islanders 35 19 13 3 41 0.586 13 16 103 100 3 10-7-2 9-6-1 3-3 6-4 2L
11 Philadelphia 33 17 10 6 40 0.606 10 12 99 94 5 10-5-4 7-5-2 5-2 4-6 1L
12 Florida 34 19 13 2 40 0.588 16 17 110 106 4 12-6-2 7-7-0 2-1 7-3 4W
13 Montreal 34 18 12 4 40 0.588 11 16 110 118 -8 9-9-1 9-3-3 2-2 5-5 1W
14 Boston 35 20 15 0 40 0.571 14 18 114 109 5 12-6-0 8-9-0 2-0 6-4 1L
15 Edmonton 35 17 12 6 40 0.571 12 17 119 119 0 8-3-3 9-9-3 0-2 7-3 2W
16 Tampa Bay 34 18 13 3 39 0.574 15 18 107 90 17 8-9-0 10-4-3 0-1 3-7 3L
17 LA Kings 34 15 10 9 39 0.574 10 14 88 90 -2 4-6-4 11-4-5 1-5 4-6 1W
18 NY Rangers 36 17 15 4 38 0.528 11 16 91 96 -5 4-10-3 13-5-1 1-0 4-6 1W
19 Pittsburgh 33 14 10 9 37 0.561 13 14 103 106 -3 6-6-5 8-4-4 0-5 2-8 7L
20 San Jose 35 17 15 3 37 0.529 9 16 105 118 -13 10-6-3 7-9-0 1-1 5-5 1L
21 Utah 37 17 17 3 37 0.5 13 17 112 108 4 8-6-1 9-11-2 0-0 5-5 1L
22 Ottawa 33 16 13 4 36 0.545 11 13 105 104 1 7-6-2 9-7-2 3-0 4-6 2W
23 Toronto 33 15 13 5 35 0.53 11 15 105 108 -3 10-5-5 5-8-0 0-1 5-5 1L
24 Buffalo 33 15 14 4 34 0.515 11 13 103 112 -9 10-5-2 5-9-2 2-0 6-4 4W
25 Columbus 34 14 14 6 34 0.5 7 10 102 120 -18 7-6-3 7-8-3 4-1 3-7 1L
26 St Louis 36 13 15 8 34 0.472 13 13 88 125 -37 7-8-5 6-7-3 0-2 4-6 1L
27 Winnipeg 34 15 17 2 32 0.471 13 14 100 103 -3 8-7-1 7-10-1 1-1 2-8 3L
28 Chicago 34 13 15 6 32 0.471 12 13 94 105 -11 7-6-3 6-9-3 0-2 3-7 4L
29 Calgary 35 14 17 4 32 0.457 11 12 91 105 -14 8-5-2 6-12-2 2-2 6-4 1W
30 Vancouver 34 14 17 3 31 0.456 10 12 96 113 -17 4-10-1 10-7-2 2-0 4-6 3W
31 Seattle 32 12 14 6 30 0.469 7 12 79 102 -23 7-7-3 5-7-3 0-3 1-9 4L
32 Nashville 33 13 16 4 30 0.455 9 11 93 115 -22 8-9-2 5-7-2 2-0 6-4 1L