There are some people who claim that the NHL season is far too long at 82 games. The average hockey fan doesn’t usually agree with this, though, as they know that fortunes can change dramatically over the course of those games. Teams that start well can fade, while those who struggle at the start can suddenly come to life and go on a tear. Wednesday night sees a match-up between a pair of teams who fall into those categories. The Canadiens looked unbeatable at the start of the season, while the Anaheim Ducks looked as though they would struggle to score 100 goals on the season. The script has changed for both teams, and it’s going to be very interesting to see how these two ho head to head on Wednesday. You can get your NHL online betting wagers on for this game, as well as all the other hockey action here.
Montreal vs Anaheim Free Hockey Pick
When: Wednesday, March 2 at 10 PM EST
Where: Honda center, Anaheim
TV: RDS and FSWHD
Radio: CKGM and KLAA
NBA Odds: TBA
Why bet on the Montreal Canadiens
It’s hard to believe now that the Montreal Canadiens (30-28-5) were once sitting atop the standings, and were 14 games above .500. It has been a hard, fast fall from grace for Montreal, and it now looks as though they are going to be struggling to make the playoffs. They are 7 points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, and aren’t really doing enough to suggest that they have what it takes to close that gap. They are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, and while that is an improvement on where they have been for the past couple of months, it’s just not good enough to close down that margin, especially with the number of games left in the season fast running out. Montreal are 13-17-2 away from home, and have only ne 1 of their last 5 road games, albeit a surprise win in Washington. The Canadiens are averaging 2.7 GPG, and are giving up 2.7 GPG.
Why bet on the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks (34-19-8) are the polar opposite of the Canadiens in that they started the season about as cold as it gets, but have somehow found a way to turn things around in rather dramatic fashion. While they are still in the bottom half in goals per game, you have to remember that they were dead last at one point, and sitting at about a 1.8 goals per game average. Their defense has remained consistently good all season long, though, and you always got the sense that they might be able to get on a roll if the offense could catch up. That has indeed happened, and the Ducks are now 9-0-1in their last 10 games, and are finding the net with stunning regularity. Anaheim are averaging 2.5 GPG, and are giving up 2.3 GPG.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
These are a pair of teams headed in opposite directions right now, and you have to go with the one showing the upward trajectory. The Ducks won both games versus the Canadiens last season, and I also like them to win this one.
