Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec
Broadcast: TSN2/RDS (Montreal), NBC Sports Chicago, ESPN+
The Chicago Blackhawks (13-14-6) visit the Montreal Canadiens (17-12-4) in an Original Six matchup that pits Chicago’s emerging young core against Montreal’s balanced, veteran-led roster. The Canadiens enter as moderate home favorites, riding strong recent form at the Bell Centre and looking to exploit Chicago’s road inconsistencies. This is the first of two meetings this season, with the rematch set for February 2026 in Chicago.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Morning)
Chicago Blackhawks:
Seth Jones (upper body): Out (week-to-week) – Significant loss on the blue line; impacts power play and minutes distribution.
Taylor Hall (lower body): Questionable – Game-time decision after limited practice.
Nick Foligno (maintenance): Probable
Core forwards Connor Bedard, Philipp Kurashev, and Ryan Donato fully available; Arvid Söderblom expected in net.
Montreal Canadiens:
Kaiden Guhle (upper body): Out (IR) – Defensive depth tested.
David Savard (lower body): Day-to-day, likely out
Juraj Slafkovský (illness): Probable – Returned to full practice.
Key trio of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Kirby Dach healthy; Sam Montembeault projected starter.
Montreal’s blue line remains thinned, potentially exposing transition vulnerabilities; Chicago missing Jones hurts structure but Bedard’s line stays intact.
Key Player Matchups
Connor Bedard vs. Nick Suzuki: Bedard’s dynamic scoring and vision (~1.2 PPG pace, elite wrist shot) vs. Suzuki’s two-way excellence and faceoff prowess; Suzuki’s line tasked with shutdown duties.
Cole Caufield vs. Blackhawks Defense (Alex Vlasic, Connor Murphy): Caufield’s one-timer and net-front presence (~35-goal pace) tests Chicago’s improved but still developing PK and slot coverage.
Kirby Dach vs. Chicago Centers: Dach’s size and skill in comeback season vs. Philipp Kurashev/Jason Dickinson—physical forecheck battle.
Goaltending Edge: Arvid Söderblom (solid .915 SV% lately) vs. Sam Montembeault (strong home numbers); rebound control and high-danger saves key.
Special Teams: Montreal’s top-10 PP (Caufield/Suzuki) vs. Chicago’s improving PK; Blackhawks’ speed could generate shorthanded chances.
Expect high-skill plays and physicality; pace favors Montreal’s home structure.
Team Records and Standings Context
Chicago Blackhawks: 13-14-6 (Mid-to-lower Central Division). Rebuilding phase showing progress with Bedard leading youth movement.
Montreal Canadiens: 17-12-4 (Wildcard/contention spot in Atlantic). Balanced attack and improved defense under Martin St. Louis.
Recent Team Form
Blackhawks: 4-4-2 in last 10, including 3-2 OT loss at Minnesota (Dec 16). Bedard line producing consistently, but road defense allowing 3.5+ goals lately.
Canadiens: 7-2-1 in last 10, highlighted by 5-2 home win over Seattle (Dec 15) with Caufield hat trick. Strong 10-5-2 at Bell Centre; limiting opponents under 3 goals in recent wins.
Montreal hot at home; Chicago seeking road consistency amid youth development.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Canadiens lead 285-218-78 (iconic Original Six rivalry).
Recent (Last 10): Split 5-5; games often close with OT/SO decisions.
2025-26 Season: First meeting.
At Bell Centre: Montreal dominant lately (won 6 of last 8 vs. Chicago); passionate crowd factor.
Betting Trends
Canadiens strong ATS at home (12-5); covering as moderate favorites.
Blackhawks profitable as road underdogs; mixed totals but unders in recent low-event road games.
Value in Montreal winning but game staying close.
Game Odds
Chicago Blackhawks 5.5
Montreal Canadiens – 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
