The 2025-26 NHL season features a cross-divisional matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montréal Canadiens, with the Penguins looking to rebound from a recent shutout loss while the Canadiens aim to build on a strong home performance. Pittsburgh, led by veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin (despite Malkin’s injury), sits in playoff contention but has been inconsistent, while Montréal’s young core, including Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield, has propelled them to a winning record. This Saturday evening clash could highlight offensive firepower and goaltending duels, with implications for both teams’ standings heading into the holiday break.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the Bell Centre in Montréal, Québec, Canada. This iconic arena, with a seating capacity of 21,105, has been the Canadiens’ home since 1996 and is known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fans.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be available on NHL Network, with local broadcasts on Sportsnet for Penguins fans and RDS/TSN for Canadiens viewers. Streaming options include ESPN+.
Team Records
Pittsburgh Penguins: 14-10-9 (37 points), 6th in the Metropolitan Division.
Montréal Canadiens: 18-12-4 (40 points), 4th in the Atlantic Division.
Recent Team Forms
Pittsburgh has alternated wins and losses recently, going 2-3-0 in their last five games. They were shut out 4-0 by the Ottawa Senators on December 18, following a 6-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on December 16. Earlier, they secured wins like 4-3 over the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 4 and 5-1 over the Philadelphia Flyers on December 1, but a 3-4 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks on December 9 highlighted defensive issues. The Penguins have averaged 2.8 goals for and 3.4 against in this span, with a power play at 20% and penalty kill at 80%.
Montréal has shown resilience, posting a 3-2-0 record in their last five. They dominated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on December 18, led by Zachary Bolduc’s two goals. Prior games included a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on December 14, a 4-5 loss to the New York Rangers on December 13, and a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 11. The Canadiens have averaged 3.4 goals for and 2.8 against recently, with a power play at 25% and penalty kill at 82%.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Goals For/Against (Last 5) | PP% (Season) | PK% (Season) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 2-3-0 | L2 | 14/17 | 21.8% | 81.5% |
| Montréal Canadiens | 3-2-0 | W1 | 17/14 | 26.4% | 77.4% |
Series History
The Canadiens hold a significant all-time regular-season advantage over the Penguins, leading 139-84 in 246 meetings, including a strong home record against Pittsburgh. In playoffs, they’ve met multiple times, with Montréal winning key series. Recently, Pittsburgh has turned the tide, going 6-1 in their last seven meetings, including a 9-2 blowout on December 12, 2025. Games have averaged 5.8 goals in the last 10, with the home team winning six times. This is the second matchup this season, following Montréal’s 4-2 win on December 11, 2025.
Injury Report
Pittsburgh Penguins: Goaltender Tristan Jarry (Out – Lower-body injury, placed on IR December 19; indefinite). Forward Evgeni Malkin (Out – Upper-body injury, week-to-week on IR since December 9). Forward Blake Lizotte (Out – Upper-body injury, week-to-week on IR since December 9). Defenseman Caleb Jones (Out – Lower-body injury, on IR). Forward Tanner Howe (Out – Undisclosed). Defenseman Peyton Kettles (Out – Undisclosed). The Penguins’ depth is tested, particularly in net and up front.
Montréal Canadiens: Forward Alex Newhook (Out – Broken ankle, expected to miss four months following surgery on November 14). Defenseman Kaiden Guhle (Out – Lower-body injury, on IR; expected to miss 8-10 weeks). Defenseman Mike Matheson (Day-to-day – Undisclosed, December 19). Goaltender Sam Montembeault (Day-to-day – Undisclosed, December 17). Forward Zachary Bolduc (Day-to-day – Lower-body injury). The Canadiens’ blue line and depth are impacted, but core forwards remain active.
Player Matchups
This game features several intriguing battles, emphasizing Pittsburgh’s veteran experience against Montréal’s youthful energy:
Sidney Crosby (PIT, C) vs. Nick Suzuki (MTL, C): Crosby (25 goals, 45 assists) remains Pittsburgh’s offensive engine, facing Suzuki’s two-way play (12 goals, 20 assists) in a center matchup that could control faceoffs and possession.
Jake Guentzel (PIT, LW) vs. Cole Caufield (MTL, RW): Guentzel’s scoring touch (15 goals) tests Caufield’s quick release (14 goals), potentially sparking a goal-scoring duel on the wings.
Kris Letang (PIT, D) vs. Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL, LW): Letang (+10, 20 points) must contain Slafkovsky’s physicality (10 goals), a key defensive-forward battle for zone entries.
Stuart Skinner (PIT, G) vs. Jakub Dobes (MTL, G): Skinner (expected starter with Jarry out; 2.85 GAA) vs. Dobes (solid in recent wins; 2.45 GAA), where Montréal’s edge in net could limit Pittsburgh’s shots.
Pittsburgh’s stars give them offensive potential, but Montréal’s depth may exploit gaps.
Betting Trends
As of December 19, 2025, Montréal is favored across sportsbooks. Key lines include Canadiens moneyline (-139), Penguins (+122); puck line Canadiens -1.5 (+140); total O/U 6 (over -110). Trends: Montréal is 2-3 straight up in their last five but 1-4 ATS; under has hit in 4 of their last 6 due to strong goaltending. Pittsburgh is 2-3 straight up recently and 4-1 ATS in their last five road games. Head-to-head, Pittsburgh is 6-1 straight up in the last seven meetings, but Montréal covers 60% at home in the series. League-wide, unders are at 55% in December games with injury-impacted teams.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Penguins 6.5
Montreal Canadiens – 142
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
