The Montreal Canadiens (17-12-4) host the Chicago Blackhawks (13-14-6), who have lost three straight, on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

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To prepare for this matchup, here is who we project to secure the win in Thursday's hockey contest.

Over the past 10 games, the Blackhawks have gone 3-6-1 while putting up 21 goals against 33 goals conceded. On 28 power-play opportunities during that span, they have scored five goals (17.9%).

Canadiens vs. Blackhawks Predictions for Thursday

Our computer projection model for this encounter predicts 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)

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Canadiens Splits and Trends

The Canadiens have a 17-12-4 record overall, with a 7-4-11 record in games that have required overtime.
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 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 scored a lone power-play goal, it picked up 12 points after finishing 6-4-0.
In the 12 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Montreal is 5-6-1 (11 points).
The Canadiens have been outshot by opponents in 17 games, going 9-5-3 to register 21 points.

Blackhawks Splits and Trends

The Blackhawks have a 13-14-6 record this season and are 1-6-7 in contests that have required overtime.
In the 15 games Chicago has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 12 points.
This season the Blackhawks scored 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 18 times, earning 26 points from those matchups (11-3-4).
This season, Chicago has recorded a lone power-play goal in 15 games has a record of 7-5-3 in those matchups.
When outshooting its opponent this season, Chicago is 5-4-3 (13 points).
The Blackhawks' opponents have had more shots in 21 games. The Blackhawks went 8-10-3 in those contests (19 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

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