Canadiens vs. Senators Pick
Are the Ottawa Senators going to get the best of the Montreal Canadiens tonight in the Centennial Classic at Lansdowne Park? The puck drops at 7PM ET.
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Canadiens are set as a -120 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Senators are a +100 underdog, while the over-under sits at 5.5 goals.
Montreal enters with a 14-14-3-1 record after a 2-1 home overtime win over the Devils on Thursday. Ottawa is 10-13-3-4 following a 3-2 home victory over the Rangers Wednesday night. The Canadiens have won both meetings this season by scores of 8-3 on the road and 2-1 at home. Montreal has won the last five meetings and is 5-1 in six meetings since the start of last season.
In the win over New Jersey, Tomas Plekanec scored the game-winner less that two minutes into overtime. Charles Hudon and Alex Galchenyuk assisted on the goal. Andrew Shaw scored the other goal for Montreal to tie the score at 1-1 in the first period before both teams went silent until OT. Carey Price saved 31 of 32 shots sent his way.
Bobby Ryan led Ottawa with a goal and an assist in the win against New York. Cody Ceci and Zack Smith each added a goal. Craig Anderson recorded 27 saves on 29 shots to earn the victory. Smith gave the Senators a 3-1 lead with a tally eight seconds into the third period and the hosts held on from there.
The under is 7-1 in the last eight Ottawa games versus a team with a losing record. Montreal is 6-0 in its last six games versus Eastern Conference opponents.
Outdoor games are always fun and this should be no exception. It will air on NBC Sports Network tonight. Ottawa has had an extra day of rest and Anderson has proven to be a top-notch goalie whenever he can get into a rhythm. The Senators are at the point of the season where it needs to make a push forward if they want to contend for a playoff spot. Look for them to establish control with an early lead and then ride Anderson.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: OTTAWA SENATORS +100
