Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens Picks and Predictions for Thursday January 29 2026
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The Colorado Avalanche travel north of the border to face the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Bell Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with television coverage available on ESPN+. Colorado enters the matchup as a road favorite at -130 on the moneyline, while Montreal is listed at +110. The total for this game is set at 6.5 goals, with the over priced at -120 and the under at even money. The Avalanche are also laying -1.5 on the puck line at +195. For more expert insight throughout the NHL season, be sure to check out our free NHL picks.
Avalanche Setting the Pace Despite Recent Stumbles
Colorado comes into this matchup with an outstanding 35-6-9 overall record and has been strong away from home, posting a 15-4-5 road mark. The Avalanche have dropped three of their last five games, recently losing to Philadelphia, Anaheim in a shootout, and Nashville, but they have also picked up convincing wins over Toronto and Washington during that span.
Offensively, Colorado has been one of the most explosive teams in the league, averaging 3.94 goals per game while allowing just 2.34 goals against. They generate an impressive 34.9 shots per game and allow only 26.8, consistently controlling puck possession and tempo.
Colorado’s special teams are solid, though not elite. The Avalanche power play is converting at 15.9%, while the penalty kill has been excellent at 84.1%. Defensively, they have allowed only 22 power-play goals and have not surrendered a single short-handed goal this season, reinforcing their disciplined structure.
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Canadiens Looking to Capitalize at the Bell Centre
Montreal enters Thursday night with a 29-17-7 record and has played well at home, going 15-11-1 at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens have won three of their last five games, recently defeating Vegas, Minnesota, and Ottawa, while dropping contests against Boston and Buffalo.
The Canadiens are averaging 3.36 goals per game while allowing 3.26, often finding themselves in higher-scoring affairs. They generate 26.2 shots per game and allow 27.0, relying more on finishing ability than shot volume.
Montreal’s power play has been a strength, converting at 23.2% with 36 power-play goals on the season. However, their penalty kill has struggled at times, sitting at 76.9% and allowing 40 power-play goals. That imbalance could be a key factor against a high-powered opponent like Colorado.
Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens Pick
Avalanche vs Canadiens Moneyline Pick
- Colorado Avalanche -130
Colorado’s ability to control possession and limit high-quality chances gives them the edge in this matchup. While Montreal has been competitive at home, the Avalanche’s defensive structure and overall consistency make them the stronger side, even on the road.
Avalanche vs Canadiens Total Pick
- Over 6.5
I’m leaning toward the over here. Montreal games tend to open up, especially against elite offensive teams, and Colorado’s scoring depth can push the pace. With both teams averaging over three goals per game, this matchup has the potential to turn into a high-scoring affair.
Final Score Prediction:Colorado Avalanche 4, Montreal Canadiens 3
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Wednesday.
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