Montreal vs Pittsburgh Prediction 22 September 2025
🔊 Montreal are set to host Pittsburgh on home ice as part of the preseason series. Last season, the hosts finally took a long-awaited step forward by reaching the playoffs for the first time in many years. Their run was brief but memorable. Meanwhile, the visitors have been absent from playoff contention for several years but are gradually approaching a new era.
Head-to-Head
In 2024, the rivals have faced each other five times, with the current visitors holding a commanding advantage during this stretch. Pittsburgh have triumphed in every matchup, including one in absolutely dominant fashion with a 9-2 victory. It's worth noting that only once did the opponents go beyond regulation time.
Head-to-head statistics Montreal - Pittsburgh
Montreal Canadiens Team Overview
Martin St. Louis' squad earned respect last season. This young and highly inexperienced team managed to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Just making it into the top eight of the Eastern Conference was already a significant achievement. Yes, they couldn't overcome Washington in the first round, losing the series 1-4 as expected. However, they gained invaluable experience, which defenseman Lane Hutson, who emerged as the NHL's top rookie, and Russian forward Ivan Demidov are poised to transform into positive results throughout this regular season. This team is now set to progress with renewed vigor.
Match Results: Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
The Pennsylvania club has struggled to make the playoffs for several years, and there's a straightforward reason for it. The legendary trio of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang isn't getting any younger. These renowned players find it increasingly challenging to keep up with the pace of the NHL's younger talent. This summer, rumors intensified about trading Pittsburgh's long-time captain, and the Russian's contract is nearing its end. The departure of Erik Karlsson also seems likely. All of this points to a situation where the team could look entirely different by the end of the regular season. Meanwhile, a new coach has already been appointed to replace the departed Mike Sullivan. Dan Muse, who lacks similar experience, has taken the helm.
Match Results: Pittsburgh Penguins
🏒 Projected Lineups
Montreal: Dobes - Matheson, Carrier - Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovsky
Pittsburgh: Jarry - Karlsson, Grzelcyk - Rust, Crosby, Koivunen
🥅 Goalkeepers
Montreal's goaltender Jakub Dobes made his debut in the main roster of the Canadian club just last season. The Czech netminder spent several years in the AHL, earning his spot. Now, he has some playoff experience under his belt, which will surely help him grow stronger.
Pittsburgh's goalie Tristan Jarry had a dismal last season, to the point where he was sent down to the AHL to regain his form. This did little to help, as the Canadian continued to struggle, ultimately becoming one of the scapegoats for the team's shortcomings.
Editorial Prediction
We see two clubs in completely different states of play. The hosts have spent years assembling a promising group of young talents, who have finally reached the playoffs and are poised to become even stronger. The visitors, on the other hand, are nearing the twilight of their numerous stars' careers and stand on the brink of significant and painful changes. It's hard to imagine Pittsburgh putting up a fight under these circumstances, especially in a preseason setting. This team, in its current form, simply isn't capable of that challenge. Our bet is on Montreal to win in regulation time.No comments
Betting Tips: Montreal Canadiens - Pittsburgh Penguins
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