Canadiens vs Golden Knights

The Montreal Canadiens made a valiant effort against the Vegas Golden Knights but ultimately fell 4-3.

It’s a big prize, and the Canadiens are in the mix for it. Each spot means a chance for a better player, but even more importantly, each spot higher in the draft order means a better chance of winning the lottery. The goaltending tandem of Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen are also both top-20 in the league in goals saved above expected. He was acquired at the trading deadline for a bit of insurance in case of injury. In the 20 that are left, Montreal faces Boston twice, Carolina twice, Tampa twice, Toronto once and New Jersey once. The Canadiens own the Panthers’ first-round pick. In many instances, the Canadiens are facing division leaders. It’s not uncommon for a defender to keep improving in the NHL as late as 30 years of age. Of the 14 games left in March, it is a remarkably difficult schedule for Montréal. Petry is having a fair season for the Penguins, but he is 34 years of age. Let the rebuild continue in earnest. The Montreal Canadiens with the final game of their four-game road trip in Las Vegas.

NHL odds, picks, and predictions for the Montreal Canadiens at Vegas Golden Knights on March 5. NHL betting best bet and free pick analysis.

The Under has cashed in three straight contests for Montreal, and three of the last four games for Vegas, though for different reasons. The Golden Knights are 8-1-2 over that same span, with their 18 points tied for the second-most in the NHL since teams returned to play on Feb. Montreal has shown some signs of defensive improvement since the All-Star break, too, ranking 11th in the league with 2.91 GAPG, so it’s not like it’ll be a cakewalk for Vegas tonight. [Vegas](https://www.covers.com/sport/hockey/nhl/teams/main/vegas-golden-knights) isn’t the strongest offensive team itself (3.15 GPG, 17th), but the Golden Knights own a Top-10 defense (2.76 GAPG) which has actually improved since starting goaltender Logan Thompson was sidelined in mid-February. In terms of head-to-head meetings, Vegas has won three straight over Montreal going back to last season. Vegas has torched opponents at even strength over that span, though, with their 32 goals at 5-on-5 tied for fourth-most in the NHL. Montreal has actually picked up the pace with six wins in 11 contests since the All-Star break, but it’s hard to foresee them pulling off the road upset over a hot Vegas team. [NHL betting trends](https://www.covers.com/sport/hockey/nhl/matchup/trends/269537) for Canadiens vs Golden Knights. Adin Hill has stepped up admirably between the pipes, going 4-1-0 in his last eight appearances while posting a .203 GAA and a .927 SV% since Feb. After two consecutive 5-2 wins over the Devils and Flyers, the Canadiens have scored just nine goals through their last four contests — more in line with the club’s 27th-ranked offense (2.68 GPG). [Nick Suzuki](https://www.covers.com/sport/hockey/nhl/players/11905/nick-suzuki) standing as Montreal’s only active 20-goal scorer this season since Cole Caufield went down with season-ending shoulder surgery in late January, it’s easy to see why the Canadiens have struggled to put the puck in the net. Canadiens vs Golden Knights Over/Under analysis

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Kaiden Guhle will not be available for Sunday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights due to an upper-body injury.

The 6-foot-2 defenceman has three goals and nine points in 24 games this season. Allard was drafted 78th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Draft and has only played one game in the NHL during the 2020-21 season in Nashville. Guhle was drafted 16th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft by the Canadiens and has three goals and 15 points in 39 games in his rookie season.

Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey. While the Canadiens have long stopped dreaming about the playoffs ...

With the road ahead looking rather challenging for the Habs, wins could be few and far between until season’s end and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as long as both the team and the players keep on learning and developing. Speaking of new players, last night, the Habs recalled trade deadline acquisition Frederic Allard from Laval which leads me to believe that Kaiden Guhle won’t be available even though he did finish the game in Anaheim. The veteran netminder will get to play his first game with his new team tonight against the Canadiens.

Frederic Allard will make his debut for the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.

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The Golden Knights still hold first place in the Pacific Division and have won back-to-back games. Vegas will be a heavy -299 favourite to win on the NHL odds ...

In the span of their past four games, they are averaging just two goals per game, posting a 2-2 record in that set. The Canadiens’ offence has been stale so far on this road trip, scoring just seven goals combined in their past three games. The Golden Knights still hold first place in the Pacific Division and have won back-to-back games.