NHL betting preview (Dec. 3): Islanders vs. Canadiens odds
Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Tuesday’s matchup between the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens.
Islanders vs. Canadiens Odds
- New York Islanders Moneyline: -145
- Montreal Canadiens Moneyline: +120
- Puck Line: Canadiens +1.5 (-225), Islanders -1.5 (+180)
- Game Total: 6 (Over +100, Under -120)
Game odds via Sports Interaction.
Handicapping the Islanders (9-16 SU, 12-13 ATS, 14-10-1 O/U)
The Islanders are coming off their first shutout win of the season, defeating the Sabres 3-0 on Saturday. It was just their third victory in their last 11 games, leaving them tied for last in the Metropolitan Division. Since Mathew Barzal’s injury in late October, New York has only managed six wins, all against struggling teams: Buffalo (twice), Pittsburgh, Ottawa, St. Louis, and Vancouver.
Things should improve when Barzal and Anthony Duclair return, but for now, the Islanders’ results feel like a coin flip. Their games are always tight, but even excellent goaltending can’t make up for their lack of scoring on some nights. Their offense ranks 27th in the league, and they’re just 5-5 straight-up when allowing two or fewer goals.
The Islanders have struggled on the road, too, losing four straight away games. This has been a long-term issue, as New York has won just 41.9% of its road games since the 2019-20 season. While they beat the Canadiens in a shootout earlier this season at home, they’ve lost their last three trips to the Bell Centre despite holding a 6-2-2 record against Montreal since 2021-22.
Handicapping the Canadiens (8-16 SU, 12-12 ATS, 14-10-0 O/U)
Montreal is set to get a boost when Patrik Laine returns to the lineup. The Canadiens acquired Laine in an offseason trade with Columbus, but he hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in a preseason game. The team confirmed Tuesday morning that Laine had been activated off IR, and he should slot in on the team’s second line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovský.
The Canadiens need the help, as they’ve won just four of their last 15 games. They’ve lost their last two matchups, falling 6-3 to Boston during the Bruins’ centennial game on Sunday and 4-3 to the Rangers on Saturday. However, nine of those 15 games were on the road and Tuesday is the beginning of a five-game homestand.
Montreal has been more competitive at home, going 5-7 straight-up at the Bell Centre compared to just 3-9 on the road. While New York is better defensively and in goal, the Canadiens rank 20th in goals per 60 minutes, giving them more offensive firepower than the Islanders. That might be enough to make up for Montreal’s awful defensive play, but they’ll need a solid performance from goaltender Samuel Montembeault, too.
Best Bets for Islanders vs. Canadiens
- 3-Way result: Regular Time Tie (+333) at Sports Interaction
Six of the last 10 meetings between the Islanders and Canadiens, including the last three, have been decided by one goal. Four of those games required overtime or a shootout. The Islanders have also gone to overtime or a shootout in nine of their games this season, which accounts for 35% of their matchups. At +333 odds, betting on this game to extend past regulation is a solid play.
- Simon Holmstrom Anytime Goal (+320) at bet365
Bo Horvat and Anders Lee have logged nearly 30 minutes with Simon Holmstrom at five-on-five, outscoring opponents 4-0 during that stretch, with Holmstrom scoring all four goals. The former first-round pick had just three goals before his promotion but has since tallied four on eight shots in his last two games. Montreal, meanwhile, ranks bottom five in expected goals against per 60 minutes and leads the league in goals allowed per 60, making the Canadiens a favorable matchup for any shooter.