The 2025-26 NHL season features an inter-conference matchup between the Montreal Canadiens, who are enjoying a strong campaign with a balanced attack and solid goaltending from Sam Montembeault, and the St. Louis Blues, who are struggling to find consistency amid injuries and a rebuild phase. The Canadiens enter as road favorites, aiming to extend their recent winning streak, while the Blues look to leverage home ice and opportunistic scoring from players like Jordan Kyrou to turn their fortunes around. This game could be decided by special teams, with Montreal’s efficient power play facing St. Louis’ middling penalty kill in what projects as a mid-range scoring contest.
Venue Location
Enterprise Center, located in St. Louis, Missouri. This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of approximately 18,096 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the St. Louis Blues.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).
Injury Report
Montreal Canadiens: Defenseman Mike Matheson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury after missing the recent game against Carolina; he skated in practice on January 2 but his status remains questionable. Forward Josh Anderson left the January 1 win against Carolina with an undisclosed injury and is also questionable. Forward Kirby Dach is being managed cautiously following a fractured foot, with a potential return soon but not confirmed for this game. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle is on the injury list with an unspecified issue.
St. Louis Blues: Forward Nick Bjugstad remains on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury since mid-December. Forward Dylan Holloway is out with an ankle injury. Defenseman Torey Krug is sidelined with a long-term ankle issue. Forward Mathieu Joseph is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. No major updates from the January 2 game against Vegas, but the team has been managing depth issues.
Key Player Matchups
This contest highlights Montreal’s speedy forwards against St. Louis’ veteran core, with goaltending and defensive resilience key amid injuries.
Cole Caufield (MTL, F) vs. Jordan Kyrou (STL, F): Caufield’s sniper shot and quick release (leading Montreal in goals) will test Kyrou’s two-way speed, potentially deciding transition plays and odd-man rushes.
Nick Suzuki (MTL, F) vs. Robert Thomas (STL, F): Suzuki’s playmaking and faceoff prowess face Thomas’ vision and assists, crucial for center-ice control and power-play setups.
Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL, F) vs. Brayden Schenn (STL, F): Slafkovsky’s emerging physicality meets Schenn’s veteran leadership and net-front presence, key for board battles and secondary scoring.
Sam Montembeault (MTL, G) vs. Pavel Buchnevich (STL, F): Montembeault, Montreal’s starter, must handle Buchnevich’s scoring touch, especially on the rush where the Blues generate chances.
Recent Team Forms
Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens are 4-1-0 in their last five games, showcasing strong offense and timely wins. Recent results: Jan 1 W 7-5 @ CAR; Dec 30 W 3-2 @ FLA; Dec 28 L 2-3 vs. BUF; Dec 27 W 5-4 OT vs. OTT; Dec 23 W 4-1 vs. DET. They’ve outscored opponents 21-15 in this stretch, with improved special teams and comeback ability.
St. Louis Blues: The Blues are 2-2-1 in their last five, alternating results with defensive inconsistencies. Recent results: Jan 2 W 4-3 vs. VGK; Dec 31 L 2-5 @ COL; Dec 29 L 3-4 OT vs. DAL; Dec 27 W 5-2 vs. NSH; Dec 23 L 1-4 @ CHI. Outscored 15-18 recently, they’ve relied on home wins but struggled on the road and against top offenses.
Series History
The Canadiens hold a dominant all-time edge with 93 wins to the Blues’ 42 in 157 meetings, including a 3-0 playoff series lead. In the last 10 games, the teams have split 5-5, but Montreal has won the last two encounters. St. Louis has a 23-39-2 home record against Montreal. Games often feature moderate scoring, with the under hitting in recent matchups, and the Canadiens winning 13 straight from 1977-1979 historically.
Betting Trends
Montreal is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games and 4-1 ATS as road favorites, with the over hitting in 6 of their last 10 (averaging 6.2 goals). On the road, they’re 5-0 SU in their last five inter-conference matchups. St. Louis is 3-7 ATS overall this season but 5-5 ATS at home, with the under in 7 of their last 10 (averaging 5.4 goals). Head-to-head, the over has hit in 5 of the last 10 (average 5.8 goals), but favorites like Montreal cover 60% in this series.
Game Odds
Montreal Canadiens – 135
St. Louis Blues 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026
