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

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Here's our pick for who will capture the win in Thursday's game.

In the last 10 contests, the Blackhawks have recorded a 3-6-1 record after scoring 21 total goals (five power-play goals on 28 power-play opportunities during that span, for a conversion rate of 17.9%). Their opponents have scored a combined 33 goals in those games.

Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Predictions for Thursday

Our computer projection model for this game predicts a final result of Canadiens 4, Blackhawks 3.

Moneyline Pick: Canadiens (-199)
Total Pick: Over 5.5 (computer predicts 6.4 goals on average)
Spread Pick: Blackhawks (+1.5)

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Canadiens Splits and Trends

The Canadiens are 7-4-11 in overtime contests on their way to a 17-12-4 overall record.
In the 14 games Montreal has played that were decided by one goal, it has an 8-4-2 record (good for 18 points).
In the four games this season the Canadiens scored just one goal, they've finished 1-3-0 (two points).
Montreal has finished 2-4-0 in the six games this season when it scored two goals (registering four points).
The Canadiens are 14-4-4 in the 22 games when they have scored at least three goals (to record 32 points).
In the 10 games when Montreal has scored a lone power-play goal, it registered 12 points after finishing 6-4-0.
In the 12 games when it outshot its opponent, Montreal is 5-6-1 (11 points).
The Canadiens have been outshot by opponents 17 times, and went 9-5-3 (21 points).

Blackhawks Splits and Trends

The Blackhawks have earned a record of 1-6-7 in overtime matchups as part of an overall mark of 13-14-6.
Chicago has earned 12 points (4-7-4) in its 15 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
This season the Blackhawks scored just one goal in three games and they lost every time.
Chicago has earned six points (2-5-2 record) this season when scoring two goals .
The Blackhawks have earned 26 points in their 18 games with more than two goals scored.
This season, Chicago has scored a single power-play goal in 15 games and registered 17 points with a record of 7-5-3.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Chicago is 5-4-3 (13 points).
The Blackhawks have been outshot by opponents in 21 games, going 8-10-3 to register 19 points.

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Team Stats Comparison

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