The Montreal Canadiens (14-13-5) will battle with the Chicago Blackhawks (10-20-1) on Friday, December 22 at 8:30 PM ET at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois to see which team can get back on track first. The Blackhawks are the moneyline favorite, slightly leading at -115 at home.

 

The Canadiens had their two-game win streak snapped with a recent loss. This was a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Minnesota Wild. Back on the road again, they are 7-4-3 away from home.

 

Nick Suzuki is leading the Canadiens with 28 points, nine goals, and 19 assists. He will need a dominant performance in order to help his team to victory.

 

They put up 2.73 goals and take 29.3 shot attempts. Their power play situations have not been ideal, as they have scored 21 goals and have given up 31. This power play percentage stands at 18.2 but is surprisingly better than the Blackhawks.

 

The Canadiens are giving up 3.34 goals and 33.0 shots per game. They also have a penalty kill percentage at 72.8. They will need to step up production.

 

The Blackhawks recently ended their four-game looking steak with a recent win. This was a 3-2 showing over the Colorado Avalanche. In their losses lately, they have allowed four goals or more each game.

 

Connor Bedard alls leads his team in all offensive categories. This includes his production in points (28), goals (12), and assists (16). He will need to replicate similar success in order for them to win.

 

The Blackhawks are barely scraping by with 2.35 goals and 27.1 shots per game. Their power play performances have been worse than the Canadiens, where they have scored 12 power play goals and allowed 25. This has put them at a power play percentage at 11.9.

 

They are allowing 3.55 goals and 32.5 shots from opposing teams. They also have created a penalty kill percentage at 74.5, which is slightly higher than the Canadiens and could make an impact here.

 

MyBookie displays their odds below, slightly favoring the Chicago Blackhawks even with their poor record. Based on both teams' recent issues, this game could go either way, but the Canadiens present an appealing opportunity.

 

 

Both teams have had issues with winning games this season. However, the Blackhawks look more volatile on paper and are the weaker team here.  Despite being back at home with a 6-8-1 record, they are not the most confident team in the league. This battle has the potential to go either way, but look for the Canadiens to find a way to win.