Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word On Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games all season long. For this edition, we will be looking at Saturday’s matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers.
NHL Predictions: Montreal Canadiens vs New York Rangers
2025-26 Season Series: Rangers 1-0 Canadiens
How To Watch: CITY, SNE, TVAS, MSG
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
Matchup Overview
The New York Rangers have had a tough string of games throughout the week. Two close losses to some of the leagues best teams in the Golden Knights and the Avalanche, followed by a shutout loss against the Blackhawks. New York will be looking to end that streak against the sometimes hot, sometimes cold Montreal Canadiens.
For the Rangers, New York is still reeling from the loss of Adam Fox. Fox is the team’s quarterback on the power play, and losing him has had a big effect on the team. The Rangers have played with both Alexis Lafrenière and William Cuylle on the first line power play, and it hasn’t worked so far. The Rangers haven’t scored on the power play since Fox got injured, and the power play has been a massive advantage for the team in previous years. On a positive note, Igor Shesterkin has played really well the last few weeks, and he has continued to pick it up.
The Canadiens have been similar. A few injuries made things difficult for them for a while, and the team as a whole has been hot and cold so far. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki have played well this season, and both of them are more skilled than pretty much any player on the Rangers roster. Montreal should focus on that in this game, to keep the Rangers from mounting offensive pressure, scoring, and then completely shutting down the Canadiens on offence.
Keys to the game
If the Rangers want to continue winning, Shesterkin needs to be on the top of his game. With how inconsistent the teams scoring has been, the goaltending needs to be ready to carry games at a moments notice. Johnathon Quick is back in the lineup, which allows New York to continue spacing out Shesterkin’s starts. Even so, look for him to get the start in this one. That also means that New York needs to focus on keeping bodies away from the front of the net and making life easier for Shesterkin.
Igor Shesterkin is on his game early so far. His best save so far is this highway robbery of Andre Burskovsky.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) December 11, 2025
For Montreal, focusing on time of possession will be the most important part in this one. Keeping the Rangers in their own zone and forcing the goaltender, whoever it is, to work harder is the key to win. The Canadiens have been streaky all season, and goaltending has been a bit of an issue. Jakub Dobes has played the most games so far, winning 10 of his 17 games played. However, his goals against average is over 3.00, and his save percentage is under .900 as well. It’s important for Montreal to keep the Rangers out of their own zone, unless Dobes can return to his form from last season. However, this is a good chance to add our disclaimer. Please check social media for the very latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy rosters.
NHL Predictions and Best Prop Bets
Rangers 2-3 Canadiens
We like the Canadiens in this one. New York’s inconsistency on offence makes it hard to pick them over a team that can score three or four goals a game at will. Montreal is a very talented squad, and the Rangers will need to stay disciplined defensively to have a chance in this one. New York is too good for this one to be a blowout, but Montreal should win this one. The Canadiens head coach, Martin St. Louis, is familiar with a few players on the Rangers roster, which will be another advantage. Overall, it’ll be a close game, but Montreal should have the edge.
For good bets, look out for Cole Caufield to find the back of the net. Caufield is breaking out this season, scoring at above a point-per-game pace, and he also scored against Pittsburgh in Montreal’s last game. Look for him to repeat that against the Rangers.
L’homme au compas dans l’oeil
There’s no angle Cole Caufield cannot score from#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/2KAFQG1lEH
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 12, 2025
For New York, look for J.T. Miller to get in the point column. Miller put up three assists in the Rangers last win against Ottawa, and the New York captain has been playing better the last few weeks. With how physical he is, he should have no problem keeping Montreal’s skill guys at bay on the defensive side, making more space to either get a good shot off or pass.
Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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The post NHL Predictions: December 13th New York Rangers vs Montreal Canadiens appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.