Free Picks: Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens

Historically speaking, Edmonton and Montreal have done a ton of damage in the first period of hockey games. The Oilers are one of the highest scoring teams in the NHL, while the Habs are ranked 7th in total goals. These high-flying offenses meet Monday night. With how important the first period is, I take a look into the first period MoneyLine between the Habs and Oilers.

The Oilers are one of the top Canadian teams this season. However, they have struggled against the Montreal Canadiens. Edmonton has become the leading scorer in the NHL but have hit a brick wall against the Habs.

Monday night, the Oilers and Habs duke it out for the 4th time this season. In three previous meetings, Montreal has picked up 2 victories in regulation, conceding one loss to Edmonton along the way.

For this free NHL pick, I want to focus on the first-period money line. The first period is arguably the most important period of a hockey game. It sets the tone and could set you up for a winning result by the final buzzer.

Looking at the three previous games, Edmonton led after one period in 1 of 3 contests, while Montreal led after the first period in 2 of 3 contests. What’s interesting is that in each of the three games this season, the team that scored in the first period went on to win the game.

But sticking with the first-period Moneyline only, the Oilers have far outmatched Montreal in goal-scoring. Not head-to-head, but the Oilers have tallied 39 goals in the opening frame, compared to Montreal’s 27 this season.

The Oilers are shooting way more than Montreal, as well. Edmonton is producing a ton of offense in the first period. Edmonton is consistent in all three-periods in goal scoring, whereas Montreal’s first period is their worst in terms of goal scoring.

I think taking the Edmonton first-period Moneyline will be the play for this contest. I love the value (+100) which means you can double your money with an Oilers lead after the opening frame.

I don’t want to say Montreal has been lucky against Edmonton this season in the first period. But I will say that statistically speaking, Edmonton has torched teams in the first period with goal-scoring, whereas Montreal has traditionally waited until the second and third period to strike.

The Oilers’ first-period Moneyline will be your best NHL bet for this contest. Edmonton is an offensively gifted team and I think they continue to add to their ridiculous pace on Monday.

• Montreal has scored first in 2 of 3 games against Edmonton the season
• The Canadiens are 13-3-4 when scoring first.
• The Oilers have scored 33% of all team goals in the first period.
• Edmonton is +7 in goal differential in the first period.