Canadiens vs Blackhawks Picks and Prediction – 1/4/2025

The Montreal Canadiens (17-17-3) are set to face the Chicago Blackhawks (12-24-2) on January 3, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The puck drops at 8:00 PM EST. Get in on all the action with our free NHL picks.

The Canadiens enter this matchup on a three-game winning streak, bringing their season record to an even .500. Their offense has been productive, averaging 3.03 goals per game, with key contributions from forwards Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. Defensively, Montreal allows an average of 3.25 goals per game, indicating room for improvement in their own zone. 

The Blackhawks, conversely, are on a five-game losing streak, sitting at the bottom of the Central Division standings. Their defense has been a significant concern, allowing 3.39 goals per game, ranking them 27th in the NHL. Offensively, Chicago has struggled to generate scoring, averaging just 2.45 goals per game, placing them near the league's bottom in that category. Connor Bedard (33 points) is hanging around on the Blackhawks, and he always makes them a threat to play spoiler.

In terms of special teams, the Canadiens' power play operates at a 20% success rate, while their penalty kill stands at 78%. The Blackhawks' power play has been less effective, converting at 17%, with a penalty kill efficiency of 75%.

Picking the Blackhawks is simply not an option at this point, even at home. Montreal has some weapons on offense, and we are getting a good price here against a team we like to fade. We will take the simple play and take Montreal to win. Prediction: Canadiens win 4-2.