Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins 12/1/24 – On a cold Sunday afternoon in December, the Boston Bruins (11-11-3) and the Montreal Canadiens (8-12-3) renew their historic rivalry with a clash at TD Garden. These two sides look to earn significant points in the regular season as both clubs have rich histories and massive support bases. The Canadiens, who are fighting to achieve some degree of consistency, seek an upset against the Bruins on their home turf which has proven to be an inhospitable venue for them in the last few encounters.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins 12/1/24
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET
Where: TD Garden
TV: ESPN+
Stream: NHL.TV
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins 12/1/24 Betting Odds:
| Team | PUCKLINE | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadiens | +1 (-105) | 7.5 over (+255) | +130 |  |
| Bruins | -1 (+100) | 7.5 under (-400) | +130 | |
| ||||
La vie est parfois injuste
Life isn’t always fair#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/nnk424uFNB
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 30, 2024
The betting odds highlight the Bruins as favorites in this contest, reflecting their home-ice advantage and historical dominance over the Canadiens. The spread suggests a close game, but with Boston’s consistent ability to secure wins at home against Montreal, they appear to be the safer bet. The total is set at a high 7.5, influenced perhaps by the Canadiens’ trend to go over in recent matchups, though the Bruins’ recent games suggest a potential for the under.
Goaltender Sam Montembeault vs. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman
As Sam Montembeault steps onto the ice, he has had a mixed season so far, showing a lot of character as Montreal’s defense struggles. His save percentage of .897 in 18 games, although not world-class, has been quite useful in keeping the Canadiens in contention for many games. Montembeault’s performance will be key for Montreal as they attempt to steal a win against a Bruin’s offense that has seen better days.
In the other goal, Jeremy Swayman will start for the Boston team. Swayman’s 0.892 save percentage over 17 games, which is in the same ballpark as Montembeault’s, indicates that Swayman is still developing into his role within the team. But his experience in TD Garden as well as the defensive structure in front of him could provide him with the advantage in this goalkeeper matchup.
No doubt, Montembeault and Swayman’s duel in the goaltending crease could decide the outcome. That said, both tenders have demonstrated the ability to step up when needed, with consistency being the most difficult aspect to achieve. The heat of the rivalry and the importance of the match will definitely be a challenge for both players.
Montreal Canadiens Team Performance Analysis
The latest performance of the Canadiens has not been very impressive as they have lost a number of matches most notably against Boston. Their losses include not being able to achieve wins at the TD Garden. However, the win over the Columbus Blue Jackets is completely different from the loss suffered to the Rangers, indicating some variation in their gameplay. This trend of high score matches which is more frequent against teams from the Eastern conference may tempt the bettors to go for an over on total points.
Bruins’ Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
In the offensive works of the Boston team, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand shall be expected to continue their star performance which keeps the Bruins in the game. Crucial will be the shots of Pastrnak with his 100 and playmaker Marchand. Still, the team’s entire poor plus/minus rating is indicative of problems with the defense’s continuity. The Bruins will have to adjust their defensive systems and effectively use the powerplays offered by Montreal’s undisciplined players.
Trends
Montreal Canadiens Betting Trends
Montreal are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games.
Montreal are 1-14 SU in their last 15 games against Boston.
Montreal are 3-12 SU in their last 15 games on the road.
Montreal are 0-8 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston.
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Montreal’s last 12 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.
Boston Bruins Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston’s last 6 games against Montreal.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston’s last 6 games at home.
Boston are 8-0 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Montreal.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston’s last 7 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins Betting Prediction
Based on past results as well as the current form, it looks like Boston will maintain the upper hand over Montreal at home. Given the goaltending woes from both sides and Boston’s defensive strength at their home ground, the better options seem to be Boston on the money line along with the under on total points. Prop bets on players specifically shots or points for Pastrnak who has a high shooting average and is more than often involved with the offensive actions of the Bruins may also provide worth.
The game adds an interesting twist to the tale of one of NHL’s greatest rivalries as both teams are quite eager to come out on top. Boston may be the favorites, but in hockey, the easiest of predictions is unpredictable, hence making it a thrilling affair to both witness and gamble on.
Score Prediction: Bruins 4, Canadiens 2.
