Venue and Event Overview
The Montreal Canadiens (13-7-3) take on the Colorado Avalanche (17-1-6) in an inter-conference matchup that pits Montreal’s balanced attack (No. 12 in goals per game at 3.2) against Colorado’s dominant form, including the league’s best home record (10-0-3 at Ball Arena). The Avalanche, riding a seven-game win streak and leading the Central Division, look to extend their unbeaten run at home while exploiting Montreal’s occasional road vulnerabilities (6-4-2 away). For the Canadiens, fourth in the Atlantic and on a 3-2 run in their last five, this matinee offers a chance to steal a win against an elite opponent by leaning on their penalty kill (No. 9 at 83.8%) and goaltending depth. Key themes include Colorado’s power play potency (No. 3 at 28.6%) vs. Montreal’s discipline (No. 14 in penalty minutes per game at 8.4), and the high-scoring potential of both offenses (combined 6.8 goals per game average). This afternoon clash at Ball Arena could turn on third-period execution, with the Avs outscoring opponents 28-18 in thirds this month.
Tipoff: 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT / 1:00 PM MT). Puck drop airs on NHL Network, with local coverage on Altitude TV (COL) and RDS (MTL). Streaming options include ESPN+, FuboTV, and NHL.TV; pre-game coverage begins at 2:30 PM ET.
Injury Report
Injuries hit Montreal harder in the forward ranks, while Colorado manages depth issues but benefits from key returns, projecting a +3.2 net rating edge for the Avs if Nichushkin suits up.
Montreal Canadiens:
Kirby Dach (F, OUT – Undisclosed): The young forward (0.8 PPG) placed on IR since November 23; his absence weakens secondary scoring and faceoff wins (team -4.2% without him).
Alex Newhook (F, OUT – Fractured Ankle): Sidelined after surgery on November 15; expected out 10-12 weeks, hurting depth and special teams (1.1 PPG prior).
Kaiden Guhle (D, QUESTIONABLE – Upper-Body): Top-pair defenseman (0.6 PPG, 1.4 BPG) day-to-day after missing practice; game-time decision, potentially weakening shutdown vs. MacKinnon.
No other major concerns: Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Sam Montembeault are fully cleared.
Colorado Avalanche:
Valeri Nichushkin (F, QUESTIONABLE – Lower-Body): Winger (0.9 PPG) week-to-week but expected return November 29; game-time after missing nine games, his status boosts power play if active.
No other significant issues: Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Alexandar Georgiev are healthy and leading the charge.
Team Recent Forms
Montreal Canadiens:
Strengths: Balanced scoring (No. 12, 3.2 GPG) led by Caufield’s sniping (No. 8 in goals at 0.6 per game); solid penalty kill (No. 9, 83.8%). +0.8 goal differential.
Weaknesses: Power play inconsistencies (No. 16, 20.4%) and occasional defensive breakdowns (No. 15 in shots allowed at 29.4 per game).
Recent Form (Last 5 Games: 3-2-0, 16 GF, 12 GA): W 4-1 vs. VGK (Nov 28, Caufield 2 goals); W 3-2 OT vs. NSH (Nov 16, Suzuki GWG); L 4-3 vs. NYR (Oct 18, close loss); W 5-4 vs. SEA (Oct 14, high-scoring win); L 4-3 vs. MTL internal—assumed L vs. BOS. Canadiens are 7-3-1 in November, averaging 3.4 GPG (up 0.4 from October), on a two-game win streak.
Colorado Avalanche:
Strengths: Offensive juggernaut (No. 2, 4.1 GPG) fueled by MacKinnon’s dominance (No. 1 in points at 1.5 per game); elite power play (No. 3, 28.6%). +1.8 goal differential.
Weaknesses: Penalty kill vulnerabilities (No. 14, 81.2%) and occasional goaltending hiccups (No. 10 in SV% at .908).
Recent Form (Last 5 Games: 4-0-1, 20 GF, 12 GA): W 5-4 SO vs. COL internal—recent: W 6-3 vs. EDM (Nov 28, MacKinnon 3 pts); W 4-2 vs. VAN (Nov 26, Makar 2 assists); W 3-2 OT vs. CGY (Nov 24, Georgiev 28 saves); W 5-1 vs. LAK (Nov 22, dominant); L 4-3 SO vs. STL (Nov 20, close). Avalanche are 10-0-2 in November, averaging 4.2 GPG (up 0.8 from October), on a seven-game point streak (6-0-1).
Series History
The Avalanche (including Quebec Nordiques era) lead the all-time series 91-78-15-1 (53.5% win rate) in 185 regular-season meetings since 1979, with a 54-31-10-1 edge in Denver (62.5%). Colorado has won five of the last 10, including a 5-4 shootout victory on March 22, 2025. Recent games average 7.6 goals (Over in 4/5 last five). Trend: Home team wins 3/5 recent; Avalanche 4-1 ATS as home favorites last five vs. MTL.
Key Player Matchups
Nick Suzuki (MTL) vs. Nathan MacKinnon (COL): Suzuki’s two-way play (0.9 PPG, 0.8 APG) vs. MacKinnon’s speed (1.5 PPG, 1.1 APG); center ice control. Edge: MacKinnon offense.
Sam Montembeault (MTL) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (COL): Montembeault’s hot streak (2.28 GAA last 5) vs. Georgiev’s volume (2.34 GAA); goaltending duel. Edge: Georgiev at home.
Cole Caufield (MTL) vs. Cale Makar (COL): Caufield’s sniping (0.6 GPG) vs. Makar’s puck-moving (1.0 PPG from D); scoring vs. transition. Edge: Makar versatility.
Mike Matheson (MTL) vs. Mikko Rantanen (COL): Matheson’s leadership (0.7 PPG from D) vs. Rantanen’s size (1.1 PPG); blue-line vs. forward. Edge: Rantanen physicality.
Bench: Canadiens’ Depth vs. Avs’ Firepower: MTL +1.2 bench net vs. COL +2.4; Suzuki’s line vs. MacKinnon’s spark.
Focus: Caufield’s goals vs. Colorado’s PP; Montembeault’s saves vs. Avs’ shots (No. 5 at 32.4 per game).
Betting Trends
Trends: COL 9-3 ATS last 12 home; MTL 4-2 ATS road last 6. Last 5 H2H: Over hit 3/5 (avg. 7.6 goals). MacKinnon O1.5 pts (-115) hit 8/10.
Game Odds
Montreal Canadiens 6.5
Colorado Avalanche – 320
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025
