Prediction: Montréal Canadiens VS New York Rangers 2025-12-13
Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers: A Tale of Stumble and Grace (or Lack Thereof)
The NHL’s latest chapter pits the Montreal Canadiens against the New York Rangers in a clash that’s part Olympic hopeful audition, part existential crisis for Big Apple hockey. Let’s break this down with the precision of a Zamboni and the humor of a penguin on a Slip ‘N Slide.
Parse the Odds: Who’s the Favorite?
The bookmakers have spoken, and they’re about as subtle as a slapshot to the face. The Rangers are the clear favorites on the moneyline, with decimal odds hovering around 1.68 to 1.71 (implied probability: ~59-60%). Montreal, meanwhile, checks in at 2.15 to 2.25 (implied probability: ~44-47%). The spread favors NY by 1.5 goals, and the total goals line sits at 5.5-6.0, with “Under” slightly more expensive.
But here’s the rub: Montreal’s recent play suggests the odds are undervaluing them. The Canadiens are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, including a 4-2 win over the Penguins where rookie goalie Jacob Fowler looked like a 20-year vet. The Rangers? They’ve lost four straight, including a 3-0 shutout to the Chicago Blackhawks—a team that, let’s be honest, should probably just retire their “Blackhawks” name and call themselves “The Also-Rans.”
Digest the News: Injuries, Power Plays, and Power Naps
The Rangers’ woes are as well-documented as a TikTok tutorial. Their power play? A glorious relic of November 28, when Mika Zibanejad scored two goals in 45 seconds. Since then? 0-for-13. With top defenseman Adam Fox on long-term IR (shoulder injury), Coach Mike Sullivan has resorted to putting five forwards on the power play. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube with your feet—inelegant and doomed.
Meanwhile, Montreal’s Brendan Gallagher and Cole Caufield have been lighting it up, and Fowler’s 36-save debut against Pittsburgh was the hockey equivalent of a “rookie moves” meme that somehow works. The Canadiens’ road record (6-1-2 in their last nine) is better than their dating profiles, honestly.
Historically, though, the Rangers own this rivalry lately: a 9-2-2 edge in 13 games, including a 4-3 comeback win in Montreal where they scored three goals in the first 5:51 of the third period. That’s the hockey version of a last-minute Amazon purchase that arrives just in time.
Humorous Spin: The Absurdity of It All
The Rangers’ power play is about as effective as a screen door on a submarine. Without Adam Fox, their defense looks like a toddler’s LEGO tower—impressive until it collapses under its own confusion. And their recent game against Chicago? A 21-shot performance is like showing up to a buffet and ordering only water. Thirsty, but not in a good way.
Montreal’s Jacob Fowler, meanwhile, is the rookie goalie equivalent of a “I’ll handle it” meme. He’s the guy who saves 36 shots in his debut, then shrugs and says, “Eh, could’ve been worse… but maybe also better?” The Canadiens’ offense, led by Cole Caufield (32 points in 30 games), is like a Swiss watch—consistent, precise, and far less likely to melt into a puddle of despair.
Prediction: The Write Choice
Here’s the verdict: Montreal wins 4-2.
Why? Because the Rangers’ power play is a statistical black hole, and their recent play is so inconsistent it could be mistaken for a rollercoaster. Montreal’s improved defense, Fowler’s heroics, and their recent road success give them the edge. The Rangers’ historical dominance? It’s a nice sweater, but even the coziest cashmere can’t keep you warm if you’re sitting in a puddle of your own mistakes.
Bet the Canadiens on the moneyline. The odds don’t fully reflect their recent form, and the Rangers’ “four-game losing streak” is now a full-blown brand. Unless Sullivan conjures up a Houdini act with this power play, Montreal’s got the edge.
In the end, it’s a game of inches—and maybe a few more goals. But if you’re betting on grace under pressure, the Canadiens are serving it up with a side of “we’ve got this.” 🏀🏒
Created: Dec. 13, 2025, 8:50 a.m. GMT