NHL Matchup - January 8, 2008

The Chicago Blackhawks make their first appearance in Montreal to face the Canadiens in nearly four years Tuesday night. Chicago will be trying to snap a five-game losing skid in this clash of Original Six teams.

The Blackhawks last played at the Bell Centre on Feb. 1, 2004, when the Canadiens won 6-4. The teams haven’t squared off since an Oct. 18, 2006 tilt in Chicago, won 2-1 by the Blackhawks as -110 home favorites. Over the past 10 meetings, the teams are even, each winning five games.   

On Sunday, Chicago (19-19-3 SU) lost 3-1 to the Detroit Red Wings as a +165 underdog. The score was Under the total of 5½. On Saturday, Montreal (20-13-8 SU) lost 5-4 in overtime to the Washington Capitals. The Capitals were +145 road underdogs, while the score went Over the total of 5½.

The total has gone Under in six of Chicago's past nine on the road.

Chicago is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road against Montreal, and 1-7 SU in its last eight road games overall.

The Blackhawks are expected to start Patrick Lalime in net, while the Canadiens will go with Cristobal Huet.

Online sportsbooks were reporting Tuesday afternoon that 61 per cent of bettors were backing a Montreal win.

Betting Line: Montreal is a 190-moneyline favorite at BodogLife. The over/under is 5½.