Montreal Canadiens vs New York Islanders Pick – 3/20/2025

The Montreal Canadiens are set to face the New York Islanders on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM at UBS Arena. Both teams are vying for crucial points in the Eastern Conference playoff race, making this encounter particularly significant.

Montreal Canadiens vs New York Islanders Game Preview

The Canadiens enter this game with a 33-27-7 record, having secured victories in their last two outings. Their recent 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators showcased a potent offense, with Christian Dvorak contributing a goal and three assists, and Brendan Gallagher adding a goal and two assists. Josh Anderson also made a notable impact with two goals. Goaltender Sam Montembeault stopped 22 of 25 shots in that game.

Offensively, Montreal has been productive, averaging 3.00 goals per game and converting 21.9% of their power play opportunities. Nick Suzuki leads the team with 70 points, while Cole Caufield has amassed 61 points. However, defensively, the Canadiens have struggled, allowing 3.24 goals per game. Montembeault holds a 25-21-4 record with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage.

The Islanders, with a 31-28-8 record, are coming off a 4-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In that game, they overcame a 2-0 deficit by scoring four goals in the third period. Kyle Palmieri led the charge with a goal and two assists, and Noah Dobson added a goal and an assist. Goalie Ilya Sorokin made 19 saves on 21 shots.

New York's offense has been less consistent, averaging 2.70 goals per game and converting only 11.5% of their power play chances. Anders Lee leads the team with 25 goals, while Bo Horvat has contributed 24 assists. Defensively, the Islanders allow 2.94 goals per game, with Sorokin posting a 26-20-5 record, a 2.72 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage.

Betting Insights

• Moneyline: New York Islanders -130 / Montreal Canadiens +110
• Over/Under: 5.5 goals

Key trends to consider:

• The Canadiens have won each of their last six games as road underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Islanders have lost five of their last six games as home favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Canadiens’ last 11 games.
• The Islanders have failed to cover the puck line in 14 of their last 15 games as favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Canadiens have won the third period in each of their last four games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.

Montreal Canadiens vs New York Islanders Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical analysis, the Canadiens appear to have the edge in this matchup. Their offense has been more effective recently, and they have demonstrated resilience in overcoming deficits. The Islanders, while strong defensively, have struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities.

Given the betting odds and recent performances, the Canadiens offer value as underdogs. Therefore, the recommendation is to take the Canadiens on the moneyline at +110.