The Montreal Canadiens are one of the proudest franchises in the NHL but right now, they just aren’t where they want to be. That’s one of the reasons that general manager Bob Gainey has stepped down and let the franchise head in a different direction.
The Canadiens are a very pedestrian team this year. After a huge overhaul in the offseason that saw the team part with players like Saku Koivu and Alexei Kovalev and welcome players like Scott Gomez and Mike Cammalleri, the Canadiens were supposed to be significantly improved. Last year, they showed some chemistry issues down the stretch of the season and after barely making the playoffs, changes were expected.
But the changes haven’t done the team much good so far. They are 28-26-6, which in a regular sport, would be 28-32. The Canadiens still have totaled 62 points and would currently be the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference if the playoffs were to start today. But the reality is that they are still very far from being a serious Stanley Cup Contender and that’s why the Habs made a move.
On Wednesday, the Habs will host the Washington Capitals and look to make a statement in the first game post-Gainey.
Washington Capitals @ Montreal Canadiens
BetPhoenix Odds (BetPhoenix Reviews): Capitals -130
NHL betting fans might be wondering if the Washington Capitals are going to lose any time soon. The Capitals have won a whopping 14 straight games and have only lost a total of 12 games in regulation all season long.
The Canadiens will be in tough against the Capitals because of the nature of the two teams. The Caps are the highest scoring team in the NHL while the Canadiens struggle to find the back of the net at times.
Interestingly enough, though, in the three matchups between the two teams this year, the Canadiens have been able to play with the Caps. The Canadiens won the first matchup, forced a shootout in the second and lost the third. Two of those three games were in Washington.
With the Canadiens hosting on Wednesday with a renewed spark thanks to the departure of Gainey, expect a fired up performance from them. It seems like in the NHL, a coaching change or a front office departure is usually a big motivational factor.
Sports Wagering: Canadiens
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