Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks and Predictions for Thursday December 11 2025
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The Montreal Canadiens head to PPG Paints Arena for an Eastern Conference showdown with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. Before you lock in any wagers, get today’s updated free NHL picks to maximize your edge across the entire slate.
Canadiens vs Penguins Betting Overview
Montreal comes in at 15-11-3 (8-3-2 away), while Pittsburgh is 14-7-7 (6-4-3 home) and looking to bounce back after consecutive shootout losses. The Penguins open as moderate home favorites, largely due to superior defensive metrics and elite center play even with key injuries.
Montreal Canadiens Preview
Offense
The Canadiens score 3.21 goals per game with a strong top-line engine driven by:
- Nick Suzuki — 33 PTS (8 G, 25 A)
- Cole Caufield — 16 goals, 2 PPG
Montreal doesn’t generate heavy shot volume (25.3 shots per game), but they capitalize on high-danger attempts when their transition game is working.
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Defense & Goaltending
Montreal’s defensive structure remains inconsistent, allowing 3.46 goals per game and showing issues defending the slot.
Goaltending outlook:
- Jakub Dobes — 10–5–2, 3.03 GAA, .887 SV%
- Samuel Montembeault — 5–6–1, 3.61 GAA, .857 SV%
The Canadiens often rely on scoring rather than shutdown defense to stay competitive.
Recent Form
Last 5:
- L 6–1 vs TB
- L 4–3 vs STL
- W 2–1 SO at TOR
- W 3–2 SO vs WPG
- L 5–2 vs OTT
A shaky stretch defensively despite occasional offensive bursts.
Pittsburgh Penguins Preview
Offense
Pittsburgh scores 3.15 goals per game, powered by an iconic core:
- Sidney Crosby — 31 PTS (18 G, 13 A)
- Evgeni Malkin — 21 assists (currently injured)
The Penguins generate more consistent offense at home, with depth scoring improving lately.
Defense & Goaltending
The Penguins allow 2.70 goals per game, one of the better marks among Metro teams.
Goaltending advantage is clear:
- Tristan Jarry — 9–2–1, 2.54 GAA, .913 SV%
- Arturs Silovs — .900 SV%
Even with multiple defensemen out, Pittsburgh’s structure remains reliable.
Recent Form
Last 5:
- L 4–3 SO vs ANA
- L 3–2 SO at DAL
- W 4–3 at TB
- W 5–1 at PHI
- L 7–2 vs TOR
The Penguins have quietly earned points in 4 of their last 5.
Matchup Breakdown
Edge: Offense — Penguins
Montreal’s offense is strong but streaky; Pittsburgh is deeper and more consistent.
Edge: Defense — Penguins
Clear advantage — Montreal’s goals-against and save percentages are among the lowest in the conference.
Edge: Special Teams — Canadiens
MTL’s 25.6% power play is their greatest strength.
Key Trends
- Canadiens: 2–3 in their last 5
- Penguins: Points in 4 of last 5
- Canadiens allowing 3+ goals in 7 of last 9
Picks & Predictions
This matchup features two offenses capable of scoring, but the defensive gap between the teams is significant. Pittsburgh’s goaltending and home-ice advantage give them the more stable profile. Betting on sports and on the Canadiens is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Penguins with the Novig promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Canadiens vs Penguins you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
Best Pick: Penguins ML
Lean: Over 6.0 goals
Final Score Prediction
Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Montreal Canadiens 3
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