NHL · December 7, 2025
St. Louis Blues @ Montreal Canadiens
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Blues @ Montreal Canadiens on December 7, 2025, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Montreal's Atlantic Division First Place Opportunity
The Canadiens (15-9-3) host the Blues looking to move into first place in the Atlantic Division. Montreal demonstrated resilience with a 2-1 shootout victory over Toronto on Saturday, showcasing the depth needed to compete for playoff position despite injuries to Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine.
St. Louis's Offensive Crisis on the Road
The Blues (10-12-7) arrive in Montreal significantly depleted, with Jordan Kyrou sidelined day-to-day after suffering a lower body injury from a hit against Ottawa. Combined with injuries to Jimmy Snuggerud, Alexey Toropchenko, and Nathan Walker, St. Louis lacks offensive firepower against Montreal's elite scoring trio of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky.
Goaltending Momentum Shift
Jordan Binnington is expected to start for St. Louis after backing up Joel Hofer's impressive 41-save performance Saturday, while Sam Montembeault likely starts after Jakub Dobes recorded 22 saves in Toronto's shootout loss. Both goalies enter with positive momentum, potentially setting up a lower-scoring, defensively-minded contest.
Matt Luff's NHL Debut Pressure
The Blues recalled Matt Luff from Springfield specifically for tonight's matchup, tasking the prospect with making an immediate impact against a playoff-contending team. Starting his NHL career against Montreal's strong roster at home places significant pressure on the newcomer to contribute meaningfully.
Home Ice and Rest Advantage
Montreal hosts the Blues after both teams skipped morning skates. The Canadiens' recent shootout success and home-ice advantage at the Bell Centre position them favorably against a St. Louis team struggling to maintain consistency on the road.
Pick Ideas
Montreal Moneyline (-135)
The Canadiens own a superior record, recent momentum, and home-ice advantage against a depleted Blues team missing key offensive contributors including Jordan Kyrou.
Under Total Goals
Both starting goalies (Binnington and Montembeault) are playing well with recent strong performances, and St. Louis's offensive depletion suggests a tight, lower-scoring contest.
Montreal -1.5 Puck Line
Montreal's elite scoring depth should generate multiple goals against St. Louis's struggling defense, making the -1.5 spread justifiable despite higher risk than moneyline.
Cole Caufield Over Goals Props
Caufield leads the Canadiens with 15 goals and faces a vulnerable, injury-depleted Blues defense, offering potential value in individual goal-scoring markets at home.
Montreal First Period Scoring
The Canadiens' superior offensive talent should create early scoring chances against St. Louis's thin roster, making first-period goal bets on Montreal attractive.