Vancouver Canucks vs Montreal Canadiens Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/12

bangthebook nhl game preview

The Vancouver Canucks are set to visit the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. The game will take place on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+.

Vancouver comes into this game with a 16-23-5 record. They are led by head coach Adam Foote and play in the Western Pacific Division. Montreal holds a 25-14-6 record under head coach Martin St. Louis in the Eastern Atlantic Division. Both teams have recorded one shutout win this season.

Canucks vs Canadiens Game Day Info

  • Sport: NHL
  • Teams: Vancouver Canucks vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Venue: Bell Centre
  • Date: January 12, 2026
  • Betting Odds: Montreal Canadiens -188, Vancouver Canucks +157

Vancouver Canucks Team Preview

The Vancouver Canucks have had a tough stretch in recent games. They lost their last five games, with a notable 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their struggles have shown in both defense and offense, as they have been unable to keep opponents’ scoring in check.

Key players like Elias Pettersson and Filip Hronek have contributed, but it hasn’t been enough to secure wins. Pettersson has 26 points this season, while Hronek also has 26 points with significant defensive plays. Kiefer Sherwood has been a standout with 17 goals, but the team needs more support around him.

In goal, Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen have been splitting time, with neither securing a shutout yet. Demko has 461 saves in 20 games, while Lankinen has 541 saves in 22 games. The Canucks need to tighten up defensively to give their goaltenders better support in upcoming games.

Montreal Canadiens Team Preview

The Montreal Canadiens recently had a tough game against the Detroit Red Wings. They lost 4-0 at home, even though they had 27 shots on goal. The team also put up 27 hits and 17 blocks in their effort.

In a game before that, the Canadiens won against the Florida Panthers with a score of 6-2. Alexandre Texier was a standout with three goals and six shots on goal. Despite only 19 shots on goal, Montreal made their chances count with six goals.

Earlier in the week, the Canadiens defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1. They had 36 shots on goal and kept the Flames to just one goal. Jacob Fowler was solid in goal with 28 saves, helping secure the win.

BTB Betting Pick

The Montreal Canadiens are favored with a moneyline of -188, and they are expected to win against the Vancouver Canucks. The Canadiens have a stronger record in goals and assists this season, ranking 6th and 5th, respectively. The projected score for the game is Montreal 4, Vancouver 2.

The current total for the game is set at 6.0, with the over at -122 and the under at +100. Both teams have shown strong offensive capabilities, with the Canadiens ranked 6th in goals. Considering these factors, the recommendation is to take the over. The projected total score is 6, suggesting a closely contested line.