Pittsburgh vs Montreal Prediction 12 December 2025
📣 The ice battles between American and Canadian teams consistently captivate NHL fans. This time, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens are set to clash at the PPG Paints Arena. Which team will break their streak of setbacks first? Let's delve into this matchup.
Head-to-Head
During the preseason, the teams managed to play one exhibition match, but the lineups in September were far from ideal. So, let's take a look at their head-to-head meetings from last season. In 2024, Pittsburgh and Montreal faced off three times, with the Penguins claiming victory in all three encounters. The most decisive win came at the Bell Centre, where Pittsburgh triumphed 9-2. Remarkably, Evgeni Malkin didn't contribute to any of his team's nine goals, leaving all the points to Crosby and Rust. The home game was more intense, ending 3-1, yet Sidney Crosby ensured the win by scoring crucial goals in the first and second periods. In recent years, Pittsburgh rarely falter against the Canadiens in regulation time. It's fair to say that Montreal has become a favorable opponent for the current hosts.
Head-to-head statistics Pittsburgh - Montreal
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
Currently, Pittsburgh are among the top eight teams in the East and have a chance to solidify their position thanks to a relatively favorable and not overly challenging schedule. The team has missed the playoffs for several years, but this season they've shown they're ready to turn things around. Evgeni Malkin has racked up 29 points and has developed great chemistry with Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha. Unfortunately, Malkin recently suffered an injury, which is a setback not only for the returning Brazeau but also for Penguins fans. On a positive note for Pittsburgh supporters, Rickard Rakell practiced with the team on Tuesday and is nearing a return to the lineup. The Malkin and Crosby era is nearing its end, and the club might face a lengthy rebuild. Despite this, there's a sense that the Penguins still have some surprises in store for us this season. Since the beginning of December, the team consistently picks up points, with all four lines performing impressively.
Match Results: Pittsburgh Penguins
Montreal Canadiens Team Overview
Montreal continue to struggle with their performance. Last season, they just managed to clinch the final playoff spot, and while they hit the ice this new season with renewed energy, they've quickly faltered. Martin St. Louis' squad occasionally strings together a few wins, but overall, their games have been disappointing. Recent setbacks in late November and early December highlight this inconsistency. This week, the Quebec team couldn't overcome Tampa Bay (who were missing key defensive players, including Vasilevskiy) and suffered a crushing 1-6 defeat. Ivan Demidov has only netted 6 goals since the start of the season, and the offense is further weakened by injuries to Laine, Newhook, and Dach. Additionally, they've recently lost a crucial penalty-killing center in Jake Evans.
Match Results: Montreal Canadiens
🏒 Projected Lineups
Montreal: Fowler - Matheson, Dobson - Caufield, Suzuki, Bolduc
Pittsburgh: Jarry - Sheary, Letang - Novak, Crosby, Rust
🥅 Goalies
After less-than-stellar performances from Dobes and Montembeault, Montreal called up goaltender Jacob Fowler from the AHL. This season, he's secured 10 wins in North America's second-tier league and recorded 3 shutouts.
It's expected that Tristan Jarry will guard the net for Pittsburgh on Thursday. Recently, a trade deal sending him to Edmonton fell through, giving him a chance to focus on his game. Although Jarry hasn't seen much ice time this season, he boasts a respectable goals-against average of 2.54.
Editorial Prediction
Let's consider a bet on Pittsburgh's double chance (1X). Given Montreal's ongoing struggles both offensively and defensively, coupled with the fact that the Penguins triumphed in all three head-to-head matchups against the Quebec side last season, this bet appears well-founded. While the absence of Evgeni Malkin is undoubtedly significant, other key players are beginning to return to the lineup for the hosts, which should help them secure at least a point against a less formidable opponent.
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Betting Tips: Pittsburgh Penguins - Montreal Canadiens
in 9 of last 10 games against Montreal Canadiens (NHL).in last 6 games (NHL).
in 8 of last 9 home games against Montreal Canadiens (NHL).in 7 of last 8 games (NHL).in last 5 home games (NHL).
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