Montreal Canadiens vs Dallas Stars Betting Trends

The upcoming NHL showdown on January 4, 2026, features the Montreal Canadiens taking on the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. This game, broadcast on ESPN+ and Victory+, promises to be a thrilling encounter in the 2025-26 NHL season. The Dallas Stars have shown a strong home record with a 12-8 straight-up home performance but struggle against the spread at home (6-14). Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens hold a solid 12-9 away record and a better ATS record on the road (13-8). Betting trends indicate Dallas is favored with moneyline odds at -210 and a point spread of -1.5, while Montreal offers +175 moneyline odds with a +1.5 spread. The total points line is set at 6.5, with the under favored at -120.

Game insights reveal Dallas's powerplay percentage and penalty kill efficiency are slightly better than Montreal's, with Dallas averaging 3.02 power plays per game and Montreal 2.85. Dallas's penalty kill is also more effective, contributing to their defensive strength. Both teams have competitive 5-on-5 percentages, making special teams play a critical factor. Key players to watch include Dallas's starting goalie, who despite questionable status, is likely to play, which could influence the game's defensive dynamics.

Recent form shows Dallas has had a mixed bag of results but tends to perform well offensively at home, scoring an average of over 3 goals per game. Montreal, on the other hand, has been strong on the road with several wins and solid defensive stats. In their last matchup on November 13, 2025, Dallas dominated Montreal 7-0, which might psychologically impact both teams entering this game.

Considering these betting trends and stats, the best bet leans towards Dallas covering the -1.5 spread, supported by their home advantage and stronger special teams performance. The total points under 6.5 is also a smart play given the defensive capabilities of both squads. Fans and bettors can catch this exciting game live on ESPN+ and Victory+ or enhance their betting strategy by starting an OddsTrader Turbo subscription now.