NHL Preview: Montreal Canadiens (30-27-6) vs. Vancouver Canucks (29-23-11)

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Date and Time: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 10:00 PM ET Location: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia TV Channel: ESPN+ Live Stream: Available on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)

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Team Overview:

Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens have had a solid season, currently holding a 30-27-6 record and sitting in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. They are coming off a 1-0 loss to the Calgary Flames and are looking to bounce back. The Canadiens have been strong offensively, averaging 2.92 goals per game, and have a balanced attack with contributions from players like Nick Suzuki, who leads the team with 65 points, and Cole Caufield, who has 56 points. Goaltender Sam Montembeault has been solid, with a 22-21-4 record, a 2.89 GAA, and a .900 SV%.

Vancouver Canucks: The Vancouver Canucks have had a challenging season, currently holding a 29-23-11 record and sitting in fifth place in the Pacific Division. They are coming off a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars and are looking to bounce back. The Canucks have been strong offensively, averaging 2.71 goals per game, and have a balanced attack with contributions from players like Quinn Hughes, who leads the team with 60 points, and Brock Boeser, who has 38 points. Goaltender Kevin Lankinen has been solid, with a 22-11-7 record, a 2.53 GAA, and a .905 SV%.

Key Matchups:

Nick Suzuki vs. Quinn Hughes:

This matchup features two dynamic players who can impact the game on both ends of the ice. Suzuki’s playmaking ability and Hughes’ scoring prowess will be crucial for their respective teams.

Cole Caufield vs. Brock Boeser:

Caufield’s goal-scoring ability will be tested against Boeser, who has been a consistent scorer for the Canucks. This battle could be a deciding factor in the game.

Sam Montembeault vs. Kevin Lankinen:

Montembeault’s solid goaltending will be tested against Lankinen, who has shown flashes of brilliance. This battle in the crease could be a deciding factor in the game.

Team Insights:

Montreal Canadiens:

The Canadiens have been strong offensively, averaging 2.92 goals per game, and have a balanced attack with contributions from players like Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky.

Montreal’s defense has been solid, allowing 2.37 goals per game. The Canadiens will need to maintain their defensive discipline to contain the Canucks’ high-powered offense.

Vancouver Canucks:

The Canucks have been strong offensively, averaging 2.71 goals per game, and have a balanced attack with contributions from players like Conor Garland and Jake DeBrusk.

Vancouver’s defense has been solid, allowing 3.01 goals per game. The Canucks will need to tighten up their defense to contain the Canadiens’ balanced attack.

Injury Report:

Montreal Canadiens:

Patrik Laine (OUT – injury)

Kirby Dach (OUT – injury)

Kaiden Guhle (OUT – injury)

Vancouver Canucks:

Quinn Hughes (OUT – injury)

Noah Juulsen (OUT – injury)

Thatcher Demko (OUT – injury)

Montreal Canadiens                       5.5

Vancouver Canucks                         – 148

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, March 10, 2025