Montreal vs Pittsburgh Prediction 21 December 2025
🔊 The Montreal Canadiens will host the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the NHL's regular season action. The home team has been alternating between victories and setbacks but remains firmly in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. The visitors, on the other hand, are in a downward spiral. They haven't managed a single win over the past two weeks, resulting in a significant drop in the standings.
Head-to-Head
The rivals have already faced each other this season. In mid-December, Pittsburgh suffered a 4-2 defeat on their home ice. The game was quite intense, with both teams combining for a total of 64 shots on goal. Forward Juraj Slafkovsky made a decisive contribution to his team's victory, scoring one goal and providing an assist. The Slovak is still in great form and ready to make his presence felt once again.
Head-to-head statistics Montreal - Pittsburgh
Montreal Canadiens Team Overview
Martin St-Louis' squad is struggling to find consistency. Throughout the second half of December, they alternate between victories and setbacks, with no correlation to the venue. This inconsistency allows the team to maintain a spot in the top eight of the Eastern Conference, but it hinders any steady progress. The Canadian club's primary issue remains their weak performance in their own zone and at the last line of defense. They've conceded 118 goals already, one of the worst records in the conference. Three different goaltenders have been deployed, yet no positive changes have emerged. This could become a significant problem in the medium term.
Match Results: Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
The Pennsylvania club has plunged into a full-blown crisis on the ice. While this downturn coincided partly with yet another injury to Evgeni Malkin, the absence of the Russian isn't the sole reason for their struggles. Dan Muse's squad have suffered seven consecutive defeats, conceding a total of 28 goals just in the second decade of December. This is undoubtedly a defensive collapse. Their play in their own zone has been nothing short of disastrous. Over time, their inability to be more effective offensively has also become apparent, with only four goals scored in their last two games. As a result, the team has lost its position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture and risks sliding even further down the standings.
Match Results: Pittsburgh Penguins
🏒 Projected Lineups
Montreal: Dobes - Dobson, Struble - Bolduc, Suzuki, Caufield
Pittsburgh: Silovs - Wotherspoon, Karlsson - Rakell, Crosby, Rust
🥅 Goalkeepers
Montreal's goaltender Jakub Dobes has yet to impress this season. The Czech has pushed teammate Samuel Montembeault out of the starting lineup but hasn't shown consistency. On average, the netminder saves only 89.3% of shots and has made several costly mistakes.
Pittsburgh's goalie Arturs Silovs started the season strong but has since slowed down and doesn't currently seem like a "lock" for the starting position. The Latvian averages just an 88.7% save rate and has recorded one shutout. His decline in performance at the last line of defense is becoming increasingly apparent.
Editor's Prediction
The hosts have shown inconsistency, but they have managed to win two of their last three home games. On the other hand, the visitors are clearly struggling, having suffered seven consecutive defeats. Pittsburgh's defensive play and goaltending have been heavily criticized, and Martin St-Louis' young stars are well-positioned to capitalize on that vulnerability. Their speed advantage is undeniable. We recommend betting on a Montreal victory.No comments
Betting Tips: Montreal Canadiens - Pittsburgh Penguins
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