The Vegas Golden Knights continue their four-game homestand with a matinee affair against the Montreal Canadiens. The Golden Knights returned home after getting points in three of four games on the road and knocked off the New York Islanders 4-2. Vegas is looking for revenge from the first meeting in Montreal, where the Canadiens stole a come-from-behind 5-4 victory.
Vegas is looking to earn a point for the 12th time in 17 games.
The Golden Knights have won 11 of 15 and continue to challenge in the playoff race in the Western Conference, currently holding the top wild-card spot with 42 points.
We are 14-6-2 with totals involving the Golden Knights, after pushing with the Over in Thursday’s game against the Islanders. We’re also on a 4-3 run with top-rated power plays throughout the league.
As of 12 p.m. PT, the Knights are -160, while the Canadiens are taking back +150.
Value in the Knights
Anytime Vegas is playing inside T-Mobile Arena, there can be value. Vegas is 11-3-1 at home this season, and this being a holiday weekend, the crowd is sure to ignite the Golden Knights. Prior to the game, Brayden McNabb and Ryan Carpenter spoke about Friday’s visit to the pediatric ward at Summerlin Hospital, and that it allowed them — as professional athletes — to put things in perspective. Especially hearing how kids who will be in the hospital continually watch the Golden Knights to lift their spirits. Ryan Reaves and William Carrier met with a select group of kids outside of T-Mobile Arena earlier today, so when you add in it being “Kidz Day” at the Fortress for this matinee, you can expect the Knights to come out with a little more to play for today.
Value in the Canadiens
Like Vegas, the Canadiens are in the hunt for a playoff spot, currently sitting in the No. 2 slot in the Eastern Conference wild-card race, one point behind Boston. Montreal will bring in confidence from winning the first meeting, and while former Canadien and current Knight Max Pacioretty is on the injured reserve, former Vegas forward Tomas Tatar is back at T-Mobile. Tatar scored the game-winner in the first meeting, so if you’re looking for an x-factor as to what could spark the Canadiens, look no further than the Slovakia-import. Montreal is certainly worth a look at this big of a price, since it already has shown it can skate with the Knights.
The Total
As of 12 p.m. PT, the total in this game is 6-under -110.
Ol’ Nate Schmidt did us dirty on Thursday, when his empty-netter with 14 seconds put the total on 6, and gave us the push. Today we’ll take all the goals we can get, as we’re playing this one Over the 6. We’re well aware the Canadiens have played three straight under the number, but that was at home against Boston (physical), in high altitude Colorado and against a heavy Arizona team. Now, against fast-paced Vegas, the Canadiens have had a day off since their last game and will be ready to skate with one of the best offensive teams in the league. With Vegas in a feel-good mood back home, this one playing early, look for it to dictate the pace and come out strong. The Knights — who are on an 8-3-2 Over run — fell behind 2-0 Thursday against the Islanders, so starting fast will be first on the agenda. Play this one UNDER.
W.G. Ramirez is a freelance reporter in Las Vegas who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @WillieGRamirez.