The Montreal Canadiens are set to face off against the Minnesota Wild at the Bell Centre on Tuesday, January 20, in what promises to be an exciting matchup. With the Wild coming into this game after playing for the second consecutive night and having three games in four days, the Canadiens will look to capitalize on their advantageous rest.
Center Oliver Kapanen has been a key player for Montreal, consistently contributing to the team’s offense. He has recorded two or more shots on goal in six of his last eight games, totaling 19 shots during that span. The prediction for this matchup leans heavily on Kapanen’s ability to maintain his impressive shot output against a fatigued Wild squad.
Minnesota, currently dealing with injuries to key players Joel Eriksson Ek, Matt Boldy, and Jonas Brodin, ranks low in several defensive metrics. They sit at 26th in Corsi For percentage at five-on-five and allow an average of 29.6 shots per game, which bodes well for Kapanen and the Canadiens.
In terms of betting, Kapanen is anticipated to surpass 1.5 shots on goal at odds of -130. Additionally, with Montreal enjoying a significant rest advantage, they are favored to cover the puck line in this matchup. The Canadiens are currently listed at -140 on the moneyline, while the Wild are at +120. The over/under for total goals in the game is set at 6.5.
Fans can catch the action at the Bell Centre, with the game starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. Given the circumstances and team dynamics, the Canadiens will aim to enhance their recent form while the Wild hope to overcome their injury challenges. Overall, this matchup could present a golden opportunity for Montreal to build momentum moving forward in the season.