04.03.2023

Canadiens @ Ducks Game Preview and Prop Pick

After going on a three-game winning streak, the Ducks found themselves back in the loss column on Wednesday night. They will look to get back on the winning side tonight as they play host to the Montreal Canadiens. We’ll preview the game before going over my best prop play for the action.

Game Preview

Montreal has struggled in all aspects of the game this season but since their return from the All-Star break they have looked a bit better. Over the past ten games the Canadiens are 6-4 and their scoring numbers have seen an uptick in those games. On the season Montreal is 27th in the league in goals scored per game with 2.7 but over this ten game stretch, they are averaging 3.4 a game. Defensively they have improved as well over the past ten games. In that span, Montreal is allowing 2.9 goals per game which is a big improvement from their season average of 3.6, which has them ranked 26th in the league. Expected goalie tonight Sam Montembeault still needs to show a larger improvement in order for the team to take another step in the right direction, as he is allowing 3.2 goals per game over his past ten starts.

When the two teams met in December, Anaheim was able to take advantage of the Canadiens defense prior to their improvement, so the Ducks walked away with a 5-2 victory. In that game, Anaheim outshot the Canadiens 32 to 25, which it is never a good sign when the Ducks outshoot you since they are ranked 27th in the league in shots per game.

Anaheim has had a tiny bit of improvement in terms of scoring since the break averaging 2.8 goals per game as opposed to their season average of 2.5 a game. Across their recent three game win streak, the Ducks put up a combined 11 goals in that span, but will enter tonight off an overtime loss in which they only managed to score two goals.

Prop Pick for the Game

For my prop play in this one, I’ll be targeting Josh Anderson over 2.5 shots on goal at (-125). Over his past ten games he is averaging 3.3 shots on goal per game and did net a goal in his most recent game. The right winger is second on the team in shots per game and has an ideal matchup tonight against a poor defensive team in Anaheim.

The Ducks are allowing the most shots on goal and goals per game in the NHL this season. Anaheim is coming off a game in which they allowed 39 shots, and over his past ten starts expected goalie John Gibson is seeing an average of 44.6 shots per game.

Both teams are at the bottom of the league and will likely remain there but Montreal has been playing better when it comes to scoring. Tonight is a perfect chance for the Canadiens to continue their momentum on the offensive end, especially Anderson.