Face-off: 1900 ET, 21/03/2022
Arena: Centre Bell
Montreal continue to go in the right direction under their new regime but face a tough test when entertaining a red-hot Boston outfit.
The Bruins are pushing hard for a top-three finish in the Atlantic Division and have already beaten the Canadiens 5-1 and 5-2 this term.
This should be closer but 2.3 for an away win and over 5.5 total goals is fancied in our Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins predictions.
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Montreal Canadiens Odds
Montreal are a very healthy 9-3-2 over their last 14 outings following Saturday’s fine 5-1 triumph at Ottawa.
Five different scorers hit the target at Centre Bell and Jake Allen made 29 saves for his first win since returning from injury.
“He made some huge saves right off the start and kept us in the game,” commented teammate Josh Anderson.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence in our team right now and I love just how we go into every game expecting to win – it’s a good mindset from everybody.”
Anderson came through 16 minutes of action after missing two matches and other Canadiens continued to impress.
Exciting rookie Cole Caufield scored for a fourth straight match, while Nick Suzuki has posted 18 points in 13 games after providing another assist.
It feels harsh to oppose a team showing such spirit after a difficult campaign but we will back Montreal to have their moments.
Looking at the NHL odds, we’re going with 2.95 for an away win in regular time and both sides to score at least twice.
Boston Bruins Odds
Boston are right behind Tampa Bay and Toronto in the race to secure automatic qualification for the playoffs alongside table toppers Florida.
The Bruins appear guaranteed to at least get a wild card spot, but moving up into the top three will be the aim.
Bruce Cassidy’s side are on a 6-2-1 run after prevailing 4-2 at Winnipeg on Thursday, where Charlie Coyle had three assists.
Boston then showed they mean business by trading for Anaheim star Hampus Lindholm and giving him an eight-year deal.
“I love playing in the playoffs,” declared the 28-year-old. “I’ve missed it the last few years but there’s nothing more fun.
“I think there’s gonna be a lot to be done to get there but I’m ready to go to battle with everyone in the organisation.”
He added: “I think they already have a championship-calibre team and I think any team I come to is going to be a better team.”
Lindholm will not be ready in time to face Montreal, but his arrival is sure to fire up competition for places.
Let’s add 6.75 for the Bruins to oblige by exactly two goals to our NHL predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
MONTREAL 5-1 Ottawa
Winnipeg 2-4 BOSTON
Season head-to-head: Boston 5-1 Montreal, Boston 5-2 Montreal
