The Detroit Red Wings face the Montreal Canadiens in an Original Six rivalry matchup, with the Red Wings looking to build on recent wins and climb the Atlantic Division standings against a Canadiens team that’s been one of the league’s surprises this season. Detroit’s balanced attack meets Montreal’s strong home form at the Bell Centre, where the Canadiens have been tough to beat. This game could hinge on special teams, with Montreal’s middling power play facing Detroit’s solid penalty kill, and key injuries potentially impacting both sides’ depth.
Venue Location
Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Recent Team Forms
The Red Wings have been solid lately, going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games with a +8 goal differential.
They are coming off a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on January 8, preceded by a 5-3 victory against the Ottawa Senators on January 5, but suffered back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier (4-1 on January 3 and 4-3 on January 1).
On the road, Detroit is 12-8-2, averaging 3.3 goals scored and 2.8 allowed in recent away games, with strong contributions from their top line.
The Canadiens are surging, posting a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games with a +12 goal differential.
They dominated the Florida Panthers 6-2 on January 8 and won 4-1 against the Calgary Flames on January 3, showcasing elite defense and timely scoring.
At home, Montreal is 14-6-3, with a 10-4-2 record in games decided by one goal, averaging 3.5 goals scored and 2.5 allowed recently.
Injury Report
Detroit Red Wings:
No injuries reported as of January 9, 2026.
The team is at full strength, allowing for optimal line combinations.
Montreal Canadiens:
Josh Anderson (RW): Day-to-day (Upper body; did not play January 7, status uncertain for January 10).
Jake Evans (C): IR (Lower body; expected return January 27).
These absences could impact Montreal’s physicality and depth scoring, forcing adjustments in the bottom six.
Player Matchups to Watch
This Original Six clash features intriguing battles between offensive stars and defensive anchors, with Montreal’s home crowd potentially energizing their young core.
Lucas Raymond (Red Wings LW) vs. Nick Suzuki (Canadiens C): Raymond leads Detroit with points in recent games (4 goals, 5 assists in last 10), using speed and shot volume (3.2 shots/game) to test Suzuki’s two-way play (team-leading points, strong in faceoffs at 52%).
This center-wing duel could control neutral-zone transitions.
Alex DeBrincat (Red Wings RW) vs. Cole Caufield (Canadiens RW): DeBrincat’s scoring touch (4 goals in last 10) faces Caufield’s quick release and power-play prowess (high-danger chances leader for Montreal).
Expect sniping opportunities in open ice.
Dylan Larkin (Red Wings C) vs. Juraj Slafkovsky (Canadiens LW): Larkin’s faceoff dominance (54%) and leadership clash with Slafkovsky’s physicality and emerging offense, potentially deciding board battles.
Goaltending: Alex Lyon (Red Wings) vs. Sam Montembeault (Canadiens) – Montembeault projects a slight edge with Montreal’s better defense.
Series History
The Canadiens hold a slight all-time edge with 68 wins to Detroit’s 59 in 149 away games for Montreal, plus 22 draws.
Overall, Detroit is 77-84-37-11 against Montreal in 209 meetings.
In the last 10 games, Detroit is 5-4-1, including a 5-1 win over Montreal on October 9, 2025.
The Red Wings are 4-2 in their last 6 road games against the Canadiens, with games trending over (hitting in 4 of the last 6, averaging 6.2 goals).
Betting Trends
Montreal is 9-6-15 in overtime games this season and 10-4-2 in one-goal decisions.
Detroit is 12-2-2 in one-goal games.
The over has hit in 30 of Montreal’s 44 games exceeding 6 goals.
Canadiens are 4-2 SU in last 6 hosting Detroit.
Game Odds
Detroit Red Wings 6.5
Montreal Canadiens – 142
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
