NHL Match Preview: Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens

2025-01-24 01:00

NHL

odds 2.10

Detroit returns home after a less-than-stellar road trip that began with a win in Florida. On January 24, Todd McLellan's squad will aim to outplay Montreal on Michigan ice. The Canadiens, riding a wave of excellent form, have already secured a spot among the top eight teams in the conference. Back in December, the Habs confidently defeated the Red Wings twice, both home and away. Can the Wings turn the tables this time? Let’s explore this question in our game preview.

Detroit Red Wings (USA)

Current Position: The Red Wings are currently 14th in the conference with 47 points. Despite a challenging season, they remain determined to secure a playoff spot, though inconsistency continues to be an issue.

Key Players:

Lucas Raymond, the talented young Swedish forward, leads the team with 51 points (19 goals + 32 assists). His creativity on the ice is vital for Detroit’s offensive plays.
Alex Lyon, their starting goaltender, has a save percentage of 90%. While his stats may not stand out, he’s been a steady presence in the net.

Strengths: The team has shown improvement under their new coach. Seven wins in their last eight games earlier in the season indicate their potential to bounce back.

Winning 50.7% of faceoffs allows them to control possession, which will be critical against Montreal.

Weaknesses: Detroit remains one of the lowest-scoring teams in the conference, which makes it difficult to compete against stronger opponents.

Form: Montreal looks more consistent, steadily earning points and delivering strong offensive performances.

Montreal Canadiens (Canada)

Current Position: The Canadiens sit 8th in the Eastern Conference with 52 points from 47 games, just one point shy of the top six.

Key Players:

Nick Suzuki, the team captain, leads the scoring charts with 47 points (14 goals + 33 assists). His leadership and consistent performances are crucial for Montreal.
Samuel Montembeault, their goaltender, averages three goals allowed per game. Despite this, he remains the primary choice in net due to a lack of alternatives.

Strengths: Montreal’s offense has been reliable, averaging over three goals per game. This offensive edge is a significant weapon, particularly against Detroit’s vulnerable defense.

The team has demonstrated resilience. Wins against Tampa Bay (3–2) and a comeback victory over the Rangers (5–4) showcase their ability to fight until the final whistle.

Weaknesses: Defense remains their Achilles’ heel. In January alone, the Canadiens conceded 17 goals in five games, leaving them susceptible to quick counterattacks.

Form: Detroit has been inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses.

Match Prediction

If the Red Wings fail to improve their scoring efficiency, their chances of winning will be slim. However, home-ice advantage and support from their fans could play a pivotal role. We anticipate a closely fought battle. Montreal appears to be the favorite, thanks to their stable offense and ability to turn games around. The match is likely to end in a narrow victory for the Canadiens — approximately 3–2.

Betting Tip: Consider betting on the total number of goals scored. This game is expected to be high-scoring, and a bet on “over 5.5 total goals” could be a wise choice.

Prediction

Our expert pick:

Montreal has gained solid momentum and is already among the top eight teams in the conference. To secure their spot in the playoff zone, the Habs must continue delivering strong performances. Detroit, on the other hand, showed promise under their new head coach but faltered completely during their recent road trip, failing to replicate their earlier form. This season, Martin St. Louis' squad has already defeated the Michigan team twice. We believe the visitors will once again come out on top. Our recommendation is to bet on Montreal’s victory with a handicap of 0.

Bookmakers are offering odds of 2.30 for Detroit, 4.15 for a draw, and 2.60 for Montreal. Total over 5.5 goals is offered for 1.75, total under for 2.10.

Our prediction: Montreal to win with an Asian handicap (0) at odds of 2.10.

More prediction analysis

Compare this match with other prediction pages and risk guides before making any betting decision. Focus on market logic, match context and bankroll control rather than one isolated pick.