Canadiens vs Blackhawks Prediction, Odds & Best Bets (Oct. 23)

• The Montreal Canadiens head into enemy territory to battle the Chicago Blackhawks
• Montreal has the stronger scoring and special-teams numbers entering Friday’s matchup
• Read below for my Canadiens vs Blackhawks prediction, odds and best bets for Octobe 23rd

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The Montreal Canadiens visit the Chicago Blackhawks Friday at 8:00 PM ET at the United Center, and they’ll do it shorthanded. Montreal ruled out center Nick Suzuki for two to four weeks on Thursday.

Even without him, the underlying numbers lean hard toward the visitors. On Thursday, the Habs controlled 5-on-5, while Chicago has spent long stretches strongly favoring its own zone.

Sportsbooks still have Montreal as the road favorite. My Canadiens vs Blackhawks prediction and best bets are below.

Canadiens vs Blackhawks Prediction

I’m siding with Montreal for my Canadiens vs Blackhawks prediction, Suzuki injury and all. The possession gap between these teams is just too wide.

DeepMetric’s even-strength shot-attempt data gives Montreal a 56.2% share compared with Chicago’s 41.9%. That supports the same possession edge, although it does not guarantee a Montreal win.

That shows up in the shot totals. The Canadiens average 29.9 shots per game, while the Blackhawks manage just 21.4 and allow 30.7. Montreal also wins 52.5% of its draws compared to 43.0% for Chicago, so it starts more shifts with the puck.

Canadiens vs Blackhawks Key Stats

Losing Suzuki is the biggest knock on this pick. Montreal has to replace its top center, and that hurts both its puck possession and its finishing. Still, the Canadiens score 3.11 goals per game to Chicago’s 2.33, and I expect the road team to set the pace.

Canadiens vs Blackhawks Odds

The latest Canadiens vs Blackhawks odds have Montreal at -162 on the moneyline, a 61% implied chance. Chicago is +137 at home, which works out to about 42%.

Montreal’s -1.5 puck line pays +146, or roughly a 40% implied shot. The total sits at 6.5 goals, with the Over at +105 (48%) and the Under at -125 (55%). Check the full NHL odds board for the rest of Friday’s slate.

Odds as of 2:38 PM ET on October 23 at BetMGM, Bet365 and theScore Mobile. New users can grab the BetMGM promo code for a bonus on Friday’s NHL action.

Canadiens vs Blackhawks Best Bets

• Canadiens Moneyline (-145 at BetMGM)

My top Canadiens vs Blackhawks best bet is Montreal to win outright. With Suzuki out, I’d rather lay -143 than chase a multi-goal win on the +165 puck line.

Chicago’s trouble moving the puck up ice is the core issue. A team that averages 21.4 shots per game isn’t set up to keep pace with Montreal for 60 minutes.

BetMGM hasn’t posted player props for Friday yet, so I’m skipping shots plays for now. Once they open, Canadiens shooters are first on my list against a Chicago team allowing 30.7 shots a night.

Canadiens vs Blackhawks Injuries & Projected Goalies

Suzuki is the headline, with Montreal listing him out for two to four weeks. Expect the Canadiens to shuffle their forward lines, so watch warmups before you bet.

Jakub Dobes vs Spencer Knight Stats

Neither starter is confirmed. Jakub Dobes projects for Montreal and has struggled, posting a .847 save percentage and 4.47 GAA in five games. Spencer is projected to start for Chicago at .888 and 3.59 over seven outings.

Knight has the better numbers, but he plays behind the team that gives up more shots. If Montreal tilts the ice like the possession data shows, he’ll be busy.