It’s super early in the series but regardless, a trend could be developing in games between PWHL Montreal and PWHL Ottawa. If that trend holds true on Saturday in the third matchup between the two franchises, bettors have a chance to make some money.
PWHL Montreal has opened a half-goal favorite against Ottawa Saturday, which would fit right into the short history of the budding rivalry. The narrative on the goal total market for the series isn’t as robust at this point.
PWHL Ottawa at Montreal details
Saturday will mark the third meeting of these teams and the second with Montreal listed as the home team. Bettors should note that the first meeting when Montreal was listed as the home team was actually played at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec.
- Puck drop: 2:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024
- Venue: Verdun Auditorium, Montreal, Quebec
- Broadcast: Canada – ICI TV (French language) SportsNet+ (English language) United States – Sportsnet Pittsburgh
- Previous meeting: Feb. 18, 2024, in Laval, 2-1 Montreal win
- Last 5 games: Montreal WWLWL, Ottawa LLLWL
- Montreal points: 21, 4-2 in regulation, 2-2 in overtime
- Ottawa points: 13, 3-4 in regulation, 0-4 in overtime
- Montreal goal differential: even overall, +1 at home, +2 against Ottawa
- Ottawa goal differential: -1 overall, +2 on the road, -2 against Montreal
Montreal has won each of the past two games by a goal; 3-2 and 2-1. Sportsbooks have set the goal total for this contest at 4.5, as has been standard across most PWHL games so far. It’s up to bettors to decide how much weight to give the meager data on this series so far.
Handicapping Montreal vs. Ottawa
While Ottawa comes in with the fewest points in the PWHL right now, its special teams have arguably been the best in the league so far. It’s pushed across four goals on 13 power play opportunities, leading to a league-best 30.8% conversion rate. Additionally, Ottawa has killed off 90% of opponents’ man advantages.
That could come into play in this contest as while Montreal has had the most power play chances in the league so far (24), they have only converted two of those chances. Additionally, Montreal has allowed three power plays goals on the season.
Therefore, Montreal’s best chance at staying undefeated against Ottawa appears to be at even strength. Goalie Elaine Chuli has the lowest goals-against average in the PWHL currently. The pair of Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey have 12 goals between them and 11 of them have come at even strength.
If Montreal can keep players wile Poulin and Stacey on the ice and Chuli plays to her normal form, Montreal could cover in this one. On the goal total, that will also heavily depend on Chuli’s play when Ottawa is on the power play.
