Parlay: Chicago Blackhawks VS Montréal Canadiens 2025-12-18

Montreal Canadiens vs. Chicago Blackhawks: A Tale of Two Teams (and a Lot of Injuries)

Parse the Odds
The Montreal Canadiens (-195) are heavy home favorites against the Chicago Blackhawks (+163), implying a 80.8% implied probability for Montreal and 38.5% for Chicago. The spread favors Montreal -1.5 goals, while the total is set at 5.5 goals. With both teams averaging 6 combined goals per game (Montreal 3.5 GA, Chicago 3.0 GA), the Over 5.5 (-115) is a tempting play. Montreal’s offense (3.2 GP) isn’t elite, but their defense is a sieve—30th in goals against—while Chicago’s porous defense (15th in GA) might crumble without star forward Connor Bedard.

Digest the News
Montreal’s injury report reads like a who’s-who of the NHL’s disabled list: Kirby Dach (foot), Michael Matheson (mystery ailment), Kaiden Guhle (lower body), Alex Newhook (ankle), and Patrik Laine (abdomen) are all out. It’s like a Christmas tree of misfortune—every branch is broken. Chicago isn’t faring better: Bedard (shoulder), Nick Foligno (hand), and the legendary Shea Weber (retired via ankle injury) are sidelined. Without Bedard, Chicago’s offense loses its primary spark plug (43 points this season), leaving Tyler Bertuzzi to carry the torch. Montreal’s Alexandre Texier has been a decent addition (3 goals, 3 assists in 11 games), but he’s no one-man band.

Humorous Spin
Imagine the Canadiens as a Swiss watch—every gear is either broken or day-to-day. Their defense looks like a group of kindergarteners trying to build a fortress with LEGOs. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are playing hockey’s version of “Hot Potato” with injuries, hoping someone not named Connor Bedard can score a goal. Chicago’s power play? About as effective as a screensaver during a blackout.

The Over 5.5 goals? Picture this: Montreal’s leaky defense and Chicago’s leaky offense colliding in a shower of pucks. It’s the NHL’s version of a kitchen sink leak—everyone gets wet. With both teams allowing goals like a broken dam, the total feels like a 5.5-goal “I’ll take the over… and the under… and the parking lot.”

Prediction
Same-Game Parlay: Canadiens -1.5 Goals + Over 5.5 Goals
Why? Montreal’s favorable home odds (-195) reflect their status as favorites, but their injuries make a blowout unlikely. However, Chicago’s absence of Bedard and Montreal’s shaky defense set up a high-scoring, chaotic game. The Canadiens’ recent 4-3 win in the season series (October 11) suggests they can grind out wins at home, even if it’s ugly. Pair that with the Over 5.5, and you’re betting on chaos—something both teams excel at.

Final Verdict: Montreal wins 4-3 in a shootout, and the total goals make a breakdance across the 5.5 threshold. Bet the Over like it’s Black Friday at the local sportsbook.

“The Canadiens may be a walking injury report, but they’re still favored. The Blackhawks? They’re playing with a ‘Greatest Hits’ roster of backups. This game isn’t pretty—it’s a goals-fest. Grab the parlay before the puck hits the ice.” 🏀🏒

Created: Dec. 18, 2025, 7:38 p.m. GMT