Golden Knights vs Canadiens Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Habs Not Fab on Offense

The Atlantic Division’s Montreal Canadiens host the Pacific Division’s Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. Last season, Vegas won each of the two meetings between these two clubs.

Will the Golden Knights take care of business once again, or can the Habs pull off the upset as a home underdog? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Golden Knights vs Canadiens on Saturday, November 5.

Golden Knights vs Canadiens best odds

Golden Knights vs Canadiens picks and predictions

Projected to take the crease for Vegas is goaltender Logan Thompson, who has been sensational since taking over the starting position this season. Through eight starts, Thompson is 6-2 with a .934 SV% and 2.01 GAA.

Among starting goaltenders, he ranks fourth in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5v5. While he has been incredible, Thompson’s job has been made easier with one of the best defensive groups in hockey playing in front of him.

At 5v5, the Golden Knights rank fifth in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). This ranking should be especially concerning for Montreal’s offense.

Despite some young talented forwards such as Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, the depth of the Canadiens’ front group has crippled their offensive output. Entering this game, the Habs rank just 25th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5v5.

However, Montreal’s defense has surprisingly held its own despite starting four rookie defensemen, as it ranks 15th in the league in xGA/60. Backing up this defense is goaltender Jake Allen, who is projected to get the start between the pipes.

Through seven starts this season, Allen is 3-4 with a .908 SV% and 2.88 GAA. At 5v5, Allen ranks 14th among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60.

With two solid defenses and two strong goaltenders, seven goals is likely too many for this contest.

My best bet: Under 6.5 (-115 at FanDuel)

Golden Knights vs Canadiens moneyline analysis

In about as chalky of a prediction as one could make for this game, Vegas should have no issue taking care of business against the lowly Canadiens. In this contest, the visitors will boast the better offense, defense, goaltender, coach, and about any other aspect one could think of outside of home-ice advantage.

Obviously, bookmakers agree, as the Golden Knights are laying almost two dollars on the moneyline. I have no interest in ever taking a –200 moneyline in this wonderful sport, as any team can win on any given night.

Does Vegas cover the puckline? Maybe, maybe not. But with the price of –1.5 hovering between +120 and +125, that isn’t enough risk-for-reward for a team on the road against a decent defense and goaltender.

Golden Knights vs Canadiens Over/Under analysis

The only reservation to make in taking the Under is Vegas’ offense. Although it ranks 13th in GF/60 at 5v5, it’s second in xGF/60 at 5v5.

This positive regression will hit soon for a group that is loaded with talent at the forward position, but will that show in this game? Montreal’s above-average defensive play and goaltending should be enough to limit the Golden Knights’ firepower.

However, if you want to take the Habs’ team total Under instead of the game Under due to the risk of Vegas’ offense, that would not be a bad play to make either. The Under has been a great bet for each team all season, and that trend should continue in this contest.

Golden Knights vs Canadiens betting trend to know

There have been six or fewer total goals scored in six of Vegas’ last seven games. Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs Canadiens.

Golden Knights vs Canadiens game info

Golden Knights vs Canadiens key injuries

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