The Montreal Canadiens have emerged as a legitimate contender this season, backed by strong Stanley Cup odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
Before making a run at the Cup, however, the Habs are focused on the Atlantic Division title, where they’re chasing down the division-leading Buffalo Sabres.
Let’s take a closer look at Montreal’s Atlantic Division hockey odds and whether they have what it takes to catch Buffalo.
NHL Playoff Race: Can Canadiens Win Atlantic Division?
Entering play on March 26, the Canadiens sit third in the Atlantic Division with 88 points and 12 games remaining. The division-leading Sabres have 96 points with 10 games left to play, which translates to a four-point lead if the Habs win both of their games in hand.
Assuming Buffalo maintains its current pace of .667 points per game, the Sabres will finish the season with 109 points. For Montreal to finish with 110 points and win the division, the club would have to win 11 of its final 12 games – not impossible, but certainly a very tall task.
The Habs’ best 12-game stretch of the season came back in October when they went 9-2-1 for 19 of a possible 24 points. They will likely have to outperform that run to catch the Sabres and win the Atlantic Division.
Surprisingly, the second-place Lightning are actually favoured to win the Atlantic at -161, followed by the Sabres (+130) and Canadiens (+6600).
Headed down the homestretch, the Canadiens Stanley Cup odds are +1200.
Canadiens Odds of Making the Playoffs
The Canadiens may be a long shot to win the Atlantic, but they’ve essentially got a playoff spot locked in. According to MoneyPuck, Montreal is over 90% to qualify for the postseason, but just 1.9% to win the Atlantic Division.
Looking forward to the first round of the playoffs, a Canadiens first-round playoff matchup versus the Lightning is the most likely outcome at 40%, while the Habs have a 29% chance of meeting the Sabres in their opening series.
According to MoneyPuck, Montreal carries a 38% chance of advancing to the second round, a 17% chance of reaching the Conference Finals, and a 7.6% chance of playing in the Stanley Cup Final.
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
