A marquee inter-conference matchup is on tap as two teams with impressive records clash in a key mid-season test. The Minnesota Wild travel to the Bell Centre to take on the Montreal Canadiens in a game that pits one of the West’s top road teams against a formidable Eastern Conference opponent looking to defend home ice.
1. Game Overview
- Matchup: Minnesota Wild vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Time: 7:10 PM EST
- Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
- TV: ESPN+
2. Team Form and Analysis
Minnesota Wild: The Wild enter this contest as one of the Western Conference’s elite, but they have hit a patch of turbulence recently, having lost four of their last five games. Structurally, this is a well-coached team that typically excels on both sides of the puck. However, their offensive depth is being severely tested at the moment, forcing them to rely more heavily on their defensive systems and goaltending to stay in games. They will need a disciplined, structured road performance to grind out a result in a tough environment.
Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens are riding a wave of positive momentum, posting a solid 6-3-1 record over their last 10 games. Currently sitting as the fourth-ranked team in the East, Montreal has established itself as a legitimate contender. Their success is built on a balanced attack and competent team defense. Led by their young core, the Canadiens play with speed and have found ways to win consistently, particularly in front of their home crowd. They will look to leverage their recent form and home-ice advantage against a quality but potentially vulnerable opponent.
3. Injury Report
Minnesota Wild: The Wild are dealing with significant absences in their forward group. LW Marcus Johansson is out until at least Jan. 22 with a lower-body issue. Furthermore, reports indicate that key forwards Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek have been placed on injured reserve, delivering a major blow to their top-six.
Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens’ lineup is more intact, but they will be without LW Alexandre Texier, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury and not expected back until at least Jan. 22.
4. Standings & Trends Analysis
Minnesota Wild:
- Overall: 27-13
- Away: 14-7 (Excellent)
- Puck Line (Overall): 25-24
- Puck Line (Away): 14-10 (Profitable)
- Over/Under (Overall): 27-22 (Leans Over)
- Over/Under (Away): 14-10 (Leans Over)
The Wild have been road warriors this season, posting a stellar 14-7 record away from home. Their ability to cover the puck line on the road (14-10) further demonstrates their competitiveness in hostile territory. Their games also trend towards higher scores, both overall and on the road.
Montreal Canadiens:
- Overall: 27-15
- Home: 13-10 (Solid)
- Puck Line (Overall): 28-21 (Profitable)
- Puck Line (Home): 10-14 (Unprofitable)
- Over/Under (Overall): 30-19 (Strongly leans Over)
- Over/Under (Home): 14-10 (Leans Over)
The Canadiens have a respectable 13-10 record at the Bell Centre, but the most glaring trend is their inability to cover the puck line at home. Their 10-14 PL record in Montreal suggests they play in tight games and often fail to win by a multi-goal margin. Similar to Minnesota, their games have a strong tendency to go over the total.
5. Betting Odds Analysis
- Moneyline: Wild +112 / Canadiens -134
- Puck Line: Wild +1.5 (-215) / Canadiens -1.5 (+172)
- Total: Over 6.5 (-105) / Under 6.5 (-115)
The moneyline establishes Montreal as a short home favorite, with an implied win probability of approximately 57%. However, the puck line pricing is the most telling aspect of this market. The heavy -215 juice on Minnesota to cover the +1.5 spread signals a strong market expectation for a one-goal game. The odds imply that while Montreal is the more likely winner, a comfortable victory is highly improbable. The total is set high at 6.5, with a slight vig on the under, which contrasts with both teams’ strong Over trends.
6. Prediction & Betting Angle
Final Score Prediction: Canadiens 3 – Wild 2
This matchup presents a classic case of a strong road team facing a solid home team, with external factors tilting the scales. The Wild’s significant roster depletions in their forward ranks cannot be ignored and are the primary reason they are plus-money underdogs. However, their 14-7 road record speaks to a team with a resilient structure that travels well.
The most compelling angle here is born from the combination of Montreal’s home trends and the market pricing. The Canadiens are just 10-14 against the puck line at home, meaning they have failed to win by two or more goals in 14 of their 24 home contests. Now they face a top-tier opponent—albeit a shorthanded one—that has covered the puck line in 14 of its 24 road games.
The odds tell the same story. A price of -215 on the Wild +1.5 puck line is prohibitive, but it reflects the market’s overwhelming belief in a tight game. Everything points to Minnesota keeping this close. Given Montreal’s proven inability to generate margin at home and Minnesota’s sound road structure, betting against a Canadiens blowout is the sharpest play.
The Pick: Minnesota Wild Puck Line +1.5 (-215)
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. All betting information is provided for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to wager.
Sources:
Minnesota Wild vs Montreal Canadiens History
Montreal Canadiens vs Minnesota Wild hockey Head To Head …
Minnesota Wild vs. Montreal Canadiens: Head-to-Head Reg Season …
2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Capitals vs. Canadiens series preview
NHL.com Media Site – News – #NHLStats: Water Cooler Questions …
Elite Prospects NHL Team Head to Head pages – Elite Prospects
Head Coach Records – Regular Season | NHL Records
Coaching Staff | Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild vs Florida Panthers hockey Head To Head – AiScore
NHL playoff standings: Latest on the Eastern wild-card chaos – ESPN