The Montreal Canadiens (17-12-4) host the Chicago Blackhawks (13-14-6, losers of three straight) at Bell Centre. The contest on Thursday, Dec. 18 begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Prepare for this matchup with a glimpse at who we predict will emerge with the victory in Thursday's contest.

The Blackhawks have gone 3-6-1 over the last 10 games, scoring 21 total goals (five power-play goals on 28 power-play opportunities during that time, for a conversion rate of 17.9%). They have given up 33 goals to their opponents.

Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Predictions for Thursday

Our computer projections model for this contest expects a final score of Canadiens 4, Blackhawks 3.

Moneyline Pick: Canadiens (-191)
Total Pick: Over 5.5 (computer predicts 6.4 goals on average)
Spread Pick: Blackhawks (+1.5)

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Canadiens Splits and Trends

The Canadiens have a 17-12-4 record overall, with a 7-4-11 record in contests that have gone to overtime.
Montreal is 8-4-2 (18 points) in its 14 games decided by one goal.
In the four games this season the Canadiens scored just one goal, they've finished 1-3-0 (two points).
Montreal has scored a pair of goals in six games this season (2-4-0 record, four points).
The Canadiens have scored at least three goals in 22 games (14-4-4, 32 points).
In the 10 games when Montreal has capitalized on a lone power-play goal, it has a 6-4-0 record (12 points).
When it has outshot opponents, Montreal is 5-6-1 (11 points).
The Canadiens' opponents have had more shots in 17 games. The Canadiens finished 9-5-3 in those matchups (21 points).

Blackhawks Splits and Trends

The Blackhawks (13-14-6 overall) have posted a record of 1-6-7 in contests that have needed OT this season.
In the 15 games Chicago has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 12 points.
This season the Blackhawks registered only one goal in three games and they lost every time.
Chicago has earned six points (2-5-2 record) this season when scoring exactly two goals .
The Blackhawks have scored three or more goals in 18 games, earning 26 points from those contests.
This season, Chicago has capitalized on a single power-play goal in 15 games and picked up 17 points with a record of 7-5-3.
When it outshoots its opponent this season, Chicago has posted a record of 5-4-3 (13 points).
The Blackhawks have been outshot by opponents 21 times this season, and earned 19 points in those games.

Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

Team Stats Comparison

The Bill Michaels Show