Montreal Canadiens vs. Dallas Stars Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Tuesday, Jan. 02

Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) looks on against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Bell Centre.
Image Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Montreal Canadiens vs. Dallas Stars prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Montreal Canadiens hit the road to face the Dallas Stars.

The Dallas Stars (22-9-4) are set to host the Montreal Canadiens (15-16-5) in a cross-conference showdown. As the Stars aim to extend their 2-game winning streak, the Canadiens are looking to snap a 3-game skid and climb back to a .500 record.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Dallas Stars Odds Info

Moneyline: Montreal Canadiens +245 (BetRivers) / Dallas Stars -298 (DraftKings)

Puck Line: -1.5 – Montreal Canadiens +100 (BetRivers) / Dallas Stars -115 (DraftKings)

Total: 6.5 – -121 (BetRivers) / +100 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 02

Time: 08:00 PM

Location: American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX

TV: ESPN+

Montreal Canadiens Betting Trends

  • This season, the Montreal Canadiens have hit 18 overs and 18 unders.
  • On the road this season, the Montreal Canadiens have hit 8 overs and 10 unders.
  • As the underdog this season, the Montreal Canadiens have hit 17 overs and 16 unders.

Dallas Stars Betting Trends

  • This season, the Dallas Stars have hit 22 overs and 13 unders.
  • At home this season, the Dallas Stars have hit 14 overs and 4 unders.
  • As the favorite this season, the Dallas Stars have hit 20 overs and 11 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the last three seasons, the Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars have faced off four times, with the Stars emerging victorious in three of those encounters. The visiting team has had the upper hand, winning three out of the four games. When it comes to betting statistics, both teams have split the outcomes against the spread, with each team covering twice. The over/under betting results have leaned towards high-scoring affairs, with the over hitting three times and the under only once. The most recent game between these two teams, played on December 23, 2022, saw the Stars defeat the Canadiens with a final score of 4-2. Throughout these matchups, the Stars have shown a strong power play performance, particularly in the latest game where they capitalized on three out of five opportunities. The Canadiens, while starting strong in some games, have struggled to maintain their lead, especially in the third period where they’ve been outscored in multiple games.

The most recent game on December 23, 2022, at Dallas, ended with the Stars defeating the Canadiens 4-2. The Canadiens initially took the lead with a power play goal by Jake Evans, followed by Michael Pezzetta extending the lead in the second period. However, the Stars mounted a comeback with Roope Hintz scoring two power play goals, and Wyatt Johnston adding another to take the lead. Joel Kiviranta then sealed the win with an empty-net goal. Special teams played a crucial role, with the Canadiens’ power play operating at 50.0% efficiency and the Stars at an impressive 60.0%. The Stars’ goaltender, Jake Oettinger, saved 22 out of 24 shots for a save percentage of 0.917, while the Canadiens’ Jake Allen saved 32 out of 35 shots, with a save percentage of 0.914. The game also highlighted the Stars’ ability to capitalize on their power play chances, which was a significant factor in their victory.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Dallas Stars Predictions

The Dallas Stars have been showcasing their offensive prowess, currently on a 2-game winning streak and sitting comfortably with a 0.628 win percentage, ranking them third in the Central Division. With players like Roope Hintz leading the team in goals and Jason Robertson contributing significantly in assists and points, the Stars have a dynamic attack that can challenge any defense. Their power play has been particularly effective, which could spell trouble for the visiting Canadiens, who have been struggling to maintain leads, especially in the third period.

On the other side, the Montreal Canadiens are coming off a tough 3-game losing streak, but they have shown resilience on the road with a slightly better record than at home. The Canadiens will rely heavily on their captain Nick Suzuki, who leads the team in goals, assists, and points, to spark their offense. However, Montreal’s defense will need to step up against a Stars team that has been finding the back of the net with ease, as the Canadiens’ penalty kill will be put to the test.

This game could come down to special teams and goaltending, with both teams having the ability to capitalize on power play opportunities. The Stars’ Jake Oettinger and the Canadiens’ Jake Allen will be key figures between the pipes, and their performances could ultimately decide the outcome. With the Stars favored in the matchup, the Canadiens will need to disrupt Dallas’s rhythm early on and find a way to contain their top scorers to have a chance at stealing a win on the road.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Dallas Stars Pick

The Dallas Stars have been on an offensive tear, and their recent games have consistently featured high-scoring outcomes. With a strong power play unit and key players like Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz in top form, the Stars are likely to contribute significantly to the scoreboard. The Montreal Canadiens, despite their recent struggles, have shown the ability to score as well, particularly with Nick Suzuki leading the charge. Given that the over has hit in three out of the last four head-to-head matchups, and considering the Stars’ recent trend of hitting the over in 22 out of 35 games this season, there’s a strong indication that this game could see a total score surpassing the 6.5 line set by oddsmakers.

Furthermore, the Canadiens’ tendency to lose leads, especially in the third period, suggests that even if they start strong, the Stars have the firepower to mount a comeback and push the total score higher. The Canadiens’ penalty kill will be under pressure, and if the Stars’ power play continues to operate at a high level, it could lead to multiple goals. Taking into account the Stars’ impressive 60.0% power play efficiency in the most recent game against the Canadiens, and the fact that both teams have players capable of scoring, betting on the over seems like a prudent choice for this matchup.

The Pick: Over 6.5 +100 (BetRivers)

Montreal Canadiens vs. Dallas Stars Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Dallas Stars

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Roope Hintz Points 0.5 9/10 -166 +130 1.3 1.20
Jason Robertson Points 0.5 8/10 -215 +165 1.2 1.20
Joe Pavelski Points 0.5 7/10 -175 +135 0.9 1.01