1. Game Overview
The Calgary Flames travel to Montreal to face the Canadiens in a cross-divisional Canadian matchup on Wednesday, January 7. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM EST at the Bell Centre. The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and Sportsnet.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Calgary Flames:The Flames enter this contest with an 18-20-0 overall record. The team has been competitive recently, posting a 6-4-0 record in their last ten games. However, their performance on the road has been a significant point of concern, as they are looking to improve upon a 6-13-0 away record. Calgary had won five of their previous seven games before a recent loss, indicating a team capable of putting together successful stretches but one that is still seeking consistent results, particularly away from home.
Montreal Canadiens:The Canadiens come into this game with a strong 23-13-0 record, returning to the Bell Centre after a successful road trip. The team is in excellent form, with a 6-2-2 record and a +10 goal differential over their last ten matchups. This surge has been powered by a balanced effort, and the team will look to translate its recent road success to its home ice, where their record is a more modest 10-9-0. Montreal’s overall positive momentum makes them a formidable opponent.
3. Injury Report
The following is a summary of the most significant player statuses for this game.
- Calgary Flames: Goaltender D. Cooley is listed as Day-to-Day due to an illness.
- Montreal Canadiens: Right Winger J. Anderson is listed as Day-to-Day with an upper-body issue.
4. Standings & Trends Analysis
Calgary Flames:
- Overall Record: 18-20
- Home/Away Split: The Flames have been strong at home with a 12-7 record but have struggled significantly on the road, posting a 6-13 record.
- Puck Line: Calgary has performed well against the puck line with an overall record of 25-17. They are an impressive 15-6 against the puck line at home but a less consistent 10-11 on the road.
- Over/Under: The Over has hit frequently in Flames games, with a 26-16 overall record. This trend is particularly strong on the road, where the Over/Under is 14-7.
Montreal Canadiens:
- Overall Record: 23-13
- Home/Away Split: The Canadiens have a 10-9 record at home, which contrasts sharply with their excellent 13-4 record on the road.
- Puck Line: Montreal holds an overall puck line record of 23-19. Their performance has been heavily skewed by location, with an exceptional 16-6 record on the road but a poor 7-13 record at home.
- Over/Under: Similar to Calgary, the Over has been a strong trend for Montreal, with an overall record of 26-16. The Over has hit in 12 of their 20 home games.
5. Betting Odds Breakdown
The moneyline odds for this matchup have the Montreal Canadiens as the favorites at -156, while the Calgary Flames are the underdogs at +130.
This means a bettor would need to wager $156 on the Canadiens to win $100. Conversely, a $100 wager on the Flames would result in a $130 profit if they win the game. The odds imply a 60.9% probability of a Canadiens victory.
6. Prediction
This matchup presents a contrast between a team in strong overall form (Montreal) and a team struggling to find its footing on the road (Calgary).
The path to victory for the favored Canadiens is clear: they must leverage the momentum from their recent 6-2-2 stretch and take advantage of a Flames team that has only won six of its nineteen road games. If Montreal can play with the same structure that led to their recent success, their superior overall record and current form should carry them to a win at home.
For the underdog Flames, the path to an upset lies in defying their road performance trends. While their 6-13 away record is concerning, they face a Canadiens team that has a surprisingly poor 7-13 record against the puck line at home. If Calgary can play a disciplined, tight-checking game and capitalize on Montreal’s home-ice struggles against the spread, the +130 odds offer value.
Considering all factors, the Canadiens’ excellent recent form and Calgary’s documented difficulties on the road are the most significant variables. While Montreal has underperformed against the spread at home, their overall quality and momentum make them the more likely victor.
Prediction: Montreal Canadiens win.
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. All betting information is provided for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to wager.
Sources:
Montreal Canadiens vs Calgary Flames hockey Head To Head …
Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens: Head-to-Head Reg …
NHL.com Media Site – News – NHL Morning Skate – April 15, 2021
Montreal Canadiens vs Calgary Flames History
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Martin St. Louis – Wikipedia
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