Florida Panthers vs Montréal Canadiens Picks and Predictions December 28th 2024

Florida Panthers vs Montréal Canadiens December 28th 2024

Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Canadiens versus the Panthers? The puck drops at 1:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. The over/under goal line for this matchup is currently at 6.5 goals, and the Panthers are favored by -1.5 vs. the Canadiens.

Montreal vs. Florida Key Information

Montreal dropped to 14-17-3 after a 3-1 loss to the Penguins. The Canadiens were underdogs on the puck line, and the total of 4 goals fell short of the pre-game line of 6.5.

Montreal’s only goal came in the third period, cutting the deficit to 2-1 before the Penguins added an empty-netter. Christian Dvorak scored for the Canadiens at 14:28 in the third.

Montreal’s offense struggled in their 3-1 loss to the Penguins, managing just one goal, which came in the third period from Christian Dvorak—his first of the season. The Canadiens took 26 shots on goal but were unable to capitalize on any of their 20 offensive possessions.

Emil Heineman, with his first assist of the season, and Juraj Slafkovsky, who now has 7 assists, contributed to Dvorak’s goal. Montreal failed to score on the power play and didn’t manage any shorthanded or empty-net goals.

Make Confident Picks Tonight! Get insights from NHL expert picks today and choose your favorites.

Montreal’s defense gave up the first two goals in their previous game, one at 15:57 in the first period and another at 18:40 in the second. After closing the gap to 2-1, they allowed an empty-net goal with 45 seconds left in the third. Goalie Sam Montembeault made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, and the Canadiens’ defense recorded 4 takeaways and 28 hits.

Florida moved to 22-12-2 with a 4-2 road win over the Stars. The Panthers covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6.5 goals went under, with a combined 6 goals scored.

All four of Florida’s goals came from different players, with Sam Reinhart’s empty-netter sealing the victory. The Panthers led 2-0 before the Stars tied it up, but they regained the lead with a goal at 2:32 in the third period.

Carolina’s offense produced four goals in their 4-2 win over the Stars, with A.J. Greer netting his first goal of the season. Sam Reinhart added his 10th goal on an empty net, while Evan Rodrigues scored his third and Matthew Tkachuk added his third, which came on a power play.

The Panthers took 25 shots on goal and recorded 16 giveaways. They scored once in the first period, added another in the second, and finished with two goals in the third period.

Wish You Knew Who To Bet On?

Access NHL Picks From The Experts Today!

Join The Experts!

Defensively, the Panthers will look to carry over their third-period performance from their previous game, where they shut out the Stars in the final frame. Spencer Knight made 23 saves with a 92% save percentage, and Florida’s defense totaled 8 takeaways and 22 hits. The only two goals they conceded came in the second period, with one being a power-play goal.

If you’re looking for a straight moneyline bet, then the Panthers are the way to go. However, with a payout of -327, you might consider using this bet as a leg of a parlay.

My recommended pick for the puck line is to take the Canadiens to cover. Even if the Panthers win straight-up, this one should be close throughout and the Canadiens should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

Panthers Rested and Ready to Reset Against Canadiens

The Florida Panthers, like many NHL teams, welcomed the Christmas break as a much-needed opportunity to regroup. The Panthers aim to return refreshed and ready when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday afternoon in Sunrise, Fla.

Break Comes at the Right Time for Florida

Florida coach Paul Maurice expressed the importance of the four-day holiday pause following the team’s 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.

“We need these four days bad,” Maurice said. “Between guys with the flu and a bunch of guys that played not at 100 percent, I think most of them will get right back to good.”

One of the team’s primary concerns is the health of star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who took a hard hit to his right knee late in the first period against Tampa Bay. Although he required assistance to leave the ice, Tkachuk returned to finish the game, even contributing during a critical 5-on-3 power play.

Maurice praised Tkachuk’s awareness and commitment to the team.

“Matthew’s got a great emotional feel for the game about what needs to happen next. He knew we needed him back. He wasn’t at 100 percent, obviously.”

Canadiens Face Grueling Road Stretch

Montreal was riding a three-game winning streak before dropping a 5-4 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. The Canadiens surrendered the final two goals in the third period, with center Jake Evans emphasizing the importance of playing consistently for a full 60 minutes.

“It’s hard to win in this league,” Evans said. “You’ve got to play three full periods.”

The Canadiens’ focus now shifts to a challenging road schedule. Beginning with back-to-back afternoon games against the Panthers and Lightning, Montreal will then head west for matchups against the Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Colorado Avalanche.

The status of forward Patrik Laine is also a concern. He exited Monday’s game after taking multiple hits, the most notable from Columbus defenseman Dante Fabbro. Laine’s availability remains uncertain.

Your next big win starts with our expert betting resource.

Panthers Aim to Capitalize at Home

While the Canadiens are preparing for a grueling road stretch, the Panthers are set to enjoy a homestand. Florida’s schedule includes four consecutive home games following a road-heavy December in which they played eight of their first 11 games away from home.

Maurice highlighted the value of the break and the upcoming home slate.

“The four days (off) will be great for this team,” Maurice said. “It was our third home game this month and still a little traveling here from the start of the season, and I thought it showed (against the Lightning). Not so much the will, just the ability to push through.”

Playoff Hopes on the Line

The Canadiens find themselves seven points out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference, making their road trip a crucial opportunity to collect points.

“We’re trying to get back into the playoffs,” Evans said.

For the Panthers, the homestand represents a chance to solidify their standing in the playoff race, particularly with a healthier and more rested roster. Both teams are eager to make a statement as they return from the holiday break.