Calgary Flames vs Montreal Canadiens Pick and Prediction for Wednesday January 7 2025
The Calgary Flames travel to the Bell Centre to take on the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. This cross-divisional matchup is set for a 7:30 PM EST puck drop and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. The Canadiens return home following a successful road trip, while the Flames are looking to spark their offense at the start of a five-game Eastern swing. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NHL picks over at Winners and Whiners.
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Calgary Flames Seeking Road Resurgence
The Flames enter tonight's contest with an 18-20-4 record, currently sitting near the bottom of the Pacific Division. Calgary has struggled away from the Saddledome this season, posting a 6-13-2 road mark. They are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-1 home loss to Seattle on Monday. Offensively, the Flames have found goals hard to come by, averaging just 2.62 goals per game (29th in the NHL).
Calgary's strength lies in their defensive structure and penalty killing, which operates at a solid 81.3%. However, their power play has been a major hinderance, converting at a league-low 14.5%. To find success in Montreal, the Flames will need to generate more high-danger chances at even strength and rely on their goaltending to keep the game within reach.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
On the injury front, the Flames are monitoring several key depth pieces. A young center is OUT indefinitely and was recently placed on Injured Reserve with an upper-body injury. Additionally, a backup goaltender is day-to-day with an illness and will be a game-time decision. The team is also without a veteran defenseman and a versatile center who are both sidelined with long-term undisclosed injuries.
Montreal Canadiens Defending the Bell Centre
The Montreal Canadiens return to Quebec with a 23-13-6 record, firmly holding third place in the Atlantic Division. They are riding high after an emotional 4-3 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars on Sunday, which capped off a productive seven-game road trip where they went 4-1-2. The Canadiens have been much more consistent this season, particularly on the power play, where they rank in the top ten at 23.8%.
Montreal's offense has been significantly more potent than Calgary's, averaging 3.31 goals per game. A major storyline has been the recent surge of their young power forward, who has tallied 12 points in his last eight games. The Canadiens utilize a mobile defensive corps that excels at transition play, though they are still looking for more consistency in their own zone, where they allow 3.26 goals per contest.
The Canadiens’ medical staff is currently evaluating several players. A veteran right-winger is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will be assessed during the morning skate. The team remains without a young center (foot) and a defenseman (groin) who are both on Injured Reserve, though both are nearing potential returns. Another reliable center is out until late January with a lower-body injury, while a star winger and a recently acquired center remain on long-term IR.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Calgary Flames Prediction
Montreal holds the clear momentum entering this matchup. They are rested, playing in front of a home crowd for the first time in over two weeks, and possess a significantly more dangerous power play. Calgary’s offensive woes and poor road record make this a difficult spot for the visitors, especially against a Montreal team that has proven it can compete with the league's elite.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Calgary Flames ATS Pick
- Pick: Montreal Canadiens -1.5 (+164)
The Canadiens have shown a knack for winning high-scoring games recently, and the Flames' lack of scoring depth is a major concern. Montreal is 8-2-3 in their last 13 games, while Calgary has struggled to cover as road underdogs this season. With Montreal’s top line clicking and Calgary potentially missing their primary backup goalie, the Canadiens are well-positioned to win by multiple goals and provide great value on the puck line.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Calgary Flames Total Pick
- Pick: Under 6.5 (-135)
Despite Montreal's offensive capabilities, Calgary tends to play a very low-event style on the road to compensate for their lack of scoring. The Flames have stayed under the total in four of their last six games, and Montreal’s coaching staff has recently emphasized tightened defensive rotations. Expect a controlled game where goals are at a premium, likely ending in a 4-2 or 3-1 result.
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