Canadiens vs. Rangers Prediction and Odds (Canadians Keep it Close Against Motivation-less Rangers)

Tonight's game between the 51-22-6 New York Rangers and 20-49-11 Montreal Canadians could be an ugly one.

Neither team has any motivation whatsoever, with the Canadians having long been eliminated from playoff contention and the Rangers locked into their playoff seeding after losing last night.

New York just wants to make it through the end of the season without injury, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rangers rest their starters against such a hapless opponent.

There's nothing on the line for these squads, but there's always something on the line for us bettors. So where does the value lie? Can the Canadians snap a nine-game losing streak or will the Rangers get back in the win column? Perhaps the total provides some value, instead?

Let's answer those questions by taking a gander at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook ahead of this Canadians vs Rangers matchup:

Canadians vs Rangers Odds, Spread and Total

Puck Line

• Canadians +1.5 (-135)
• Rangers -1.5 (+112)

Moneyline:

• Canadians: +180
• Rangers: -210

Total:

• 6.0 (Over -130/Under +110)

Canadians vs Rangers Prediction and Pick

Games like these are always tough to predict. You can throw all of the typical analysis out the window when the only motivation for either team is to prevent injury.

Sure, the Canadians have lost nine consecutive contests and eight straight by multiple goals. And sure, the Rangers have been dominant at home and have a pair of victories over Montreal already this season. But so what? Neither team is going to represent the squads they've been all season, and neither is going to be trying particularly hard.

When this happens, I'm always inclined to back the underdog. The Canadians are, in a word, pathetic. But the Rangers will be playing essentially with kids gloves on to avoid catastrophe, and Montreal may at least be actually trying. Whether that matters based on their recent performance, I don't know.

I do know, however, that professional athletes have pride. And no squad wants to enter an offseason on a double-digit losing streak. We should get an engaged effort from Montreal and a lackadaisical one from New York, so I'm backing the Canadians on the puck line.

Pick: Canadians +1.5 (-135)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.