Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/29

bangthebook nhl game preview

The NHL Regular Season continues with the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Montreal Canadiens. The game is set for Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+ as these teams meet at the Bell Centre.

The Avalanche, led by Head Coach Jared Bednar, hold a record of 35-7-9. They are ranked first in both their conference and division. On the other side, the Canadiens, coached by Martin St. Louis, have a record of 29-17-7. They are ranked fifth in the conference and fourth in their division.

Avalanche vs Canadiens Game Day Info

  • Sport: NHL
  • Teams: Colorado Avalanche vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Venue: Bell Centre
  • Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
  • Betting Odds: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (+172), Montreal Canadiens +1.5 (-212)

Colorado Avalanche Team Preview

The Colorado Avalanche have seen mixed results in their recent games. They lost to the Ottawa Senators 5-2 with just 18 shots on goal. Valeri Nichushkin and Parker Kelly each scored a goal in this game.

The Avalanche secured a solid win against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 4-1 score. Brock Nelson was a standout with a hat trick, while Mackenzie Blackwood made 32 saves. Cale Makar contributed with an assist and six shots on goal.

Colorado ranks first in goals, assists, and shots on goal this season. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 88 points, including 38 goals and 50 assists. The Avalanche will look to improve their performance on the road in upcoming games.

Montreal Canadiens Team Preview

The Montreal Canadiens recently secured a win against the Vegas Golden Knights. They scored 3 goals on 26 shots, while their defense held the Golden Knights to 2 goals. Cole Caufield and Jake Evans each contributed a goal in this game.

In a previous game against the Boston Bruins, the Canadiens lost by 1 goal. They managed 3 goals, with Caufield scoring all 3. Despite this effort, the Bruins scored 4 goals on 21 shots.

When the Canadiens faced the Buffalo Sabres, they fell short with a 2-goal loss. They put 34 shots on goal but only scored twice. Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson each added an assist in that game.

BTB Betting Pick

The Colorado Avalanche are the favorite with a moneyline of -138. They have strong skater stats, leading in goals and assists this season. The projected score is Colorado 4, Montreal 3. Based on these factors, picking the Avalanche to win straight up is recommended.

The over/under for the game is set at 6.5. Both teams have high goals scored this season, with Colorado ranked first and Montreal third. The projected total score is 7. Given this, taking the over at -125 is the better choice.