Blackhawks vs Canadiens Odds
| Blackhawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -184 | 6.5 +100o / -122u | +128 |
| Canadiens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +152 | 6.5 +100o / -122u | -154 |
Canada: Meet Connor Bedard.
The 18-year-old phenom is set to play the third NHL game of his career on Saturday night when the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Montreal Canadiens.
After their 30th-place finish in the NHL standings earned them a draft-lottery win, the Blackhawks shored up their roster to give their new prize the best possible environment to learn his craft.
In the early going this season, that has translated to a 1-1-0 record.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens gave the mighty Toronto Maple Leafs a run for their money in their season debut on Wednesday night, but they ultimately lost 6-5 in a shootout.
Chicago Blackhawks
So far, the Bedard show has been a smash hit. His debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins and follow-up against the Boston Bruins both delivered record TV ratings.
Additionally, Bedard has started his NHL career as a point-per-game player with a goal and an assist.
But just two games in, the Blackhawks are already dealing with a significant injury – to Bedard's left-winger, Taylor Hall.
Hall skated in Montreal on Friday, but has been ruled out for Saturday's game, so Taylor Raddysh will draw onto the top line instead. Unlike Hall, Raddysh doesn't have a Hart Trophy to his name.
However, the 24-year-old has good size at 6-foot-3 and was a solid performer for Chicago last season as he tied for the team lead with 20 goals.
Despite their young defense corps, which features three rookies, the Blackhawks held up well in their first two games and allowed just a total of five goals, despite an average of 37 shots against per game. They've also scored five total goals and all the scoring in Chicago's games has come at even strength.
Goaltenders Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom split the duties in the first two games and both finished at well over one goal saved above expected.
If the rotation continues, Mrazek should get the start Saturday in Montreal.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal's offseason changes weren't as drastic as Chicago's. The main additions were forwards Alex Newhook and Tanner Pearson.
Jake Allen was between the pipes for the season opener and faced 42 shots over 65 minutes.
However, Sam Montembeault is getting the start for Saturday's home opener.
The 26-year-old had an impressive 11.8 goals saved above expected last season to go along with his 16-19-3 record.
Blackhawks vs Canadiens
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Canadiens finished nine points ahead of the Blackhawks in the 2022-23 standings, though both squads landed in the bottom five. With all the ceremony that accompanies a home opener, Montreal's players will certainly feel the responsibility of wearing the famed Canadiens logo, especially with another original six team as an opponent.
Montreal also won both games between these sides last season — a 3-2 shootout in Chicago in November and then a 4-0 shutout at the Bell Centre in February.
This year, with the Blackhawks' boosted roster, expect things to be different – which is good news for bettors.
Look for Bedard and the Blackhawks to spoil the party and skate away with a win.
You should be able to find a line at about +120 at most outlets as of this writing, though BetRivers is offering an enticing +123.
