Three NHL games highlight Wednesday night's schedule, following a successful betting night on Tuesday with a solid victory on a 3-way moneyline parlay. The Boston Bruins will face off against the New York Rangers, both teams coming off contrasting performances. The Bruins recently shut out the Minnesota Wild, while the Rangers managed to edge out the Vegas Golden Knights. The Edmonton Oilers take on the Chicago Blackhawks, aiming to maintain their winning streak against a struggling opponent. Lastly, the Montreal Canadiens visit the Los Angeles Kings, with both teams seeking to improve their standings. BetMGM's latest lines favor New York and Edmonton in their respective matchups.

Joel Armia's short-handed goal late in the third period secured a 4-3 victory for the Montreal Canadiens over the San Jose Sharks, ending Montreal's five-game losing streak. With this win, the Canadiens improved their recent record from a rough stretch to a more promising outlook.

Aside from Armia, Alex Newhook contributed with a goal and an assist, while Cole Caufield and Brendan Gallagher added to the score sheet. The Canadiens had struggled prior to this game, but Kirby Dach's two assists and Sam Montembault's 27 saves proved crucial in their comeback.

For the Sharks, Tyler Toffoli managed to score and assist, alongside contributions from Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf. However, San Jose has continued to face challenges, having lost eight of their last nine games.

Joel Armia's short-handed goal late in the third period propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, ending their five-game losing streak. The Canadiens were struggling with a record of 0-4-1 prior to this game, and the win brings them back into the mix after previously winning seven out of nine games. Alex Newhook contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, while Cole Caufield and Brendan Gallagher also found the back of the net. Kirby Dach recorded two assists, and goaltender Sam Montembault made 27 saves to secure the win.

The Sharks, on the other hand, have faced tough times recently, suffering their eighth loss in nine games, and have now lost 11 of their last 13 overall. Tyler Toffoli stood out for San Jose, scoring a power-play goal that temporarily tied the game, while Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf also scored. Alexandar Georgiev made 16 saves in the loss. The game showcased notable back-and-forth action, with Gallagher's power-play goal giving Montreal a brief lead before Toffoli's equalizer. However, Armia's late heroics secured the win.

The Montreal Canadiens are actively evaluating their options as the NHL trade deadline approaches, particularly regarding their unrestricted free agents. General Manager Kent Hughes continues to keep his phone lines open for potential trades, despite the team's recent struggles, losing five straight games and falling six points back from a playoff spot.

While they're contemplating the possibility of making trades, Hughes is committed to their long-term plan, focusing on acquiring controllable players in their mid-20s. The Canadiens are open to both buying and selling, depending on the right offers that fit their strategy. The team aims to gather draft picks and possibly package them to move into higher rounds or bring in established players, similar to recent acquisitions like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.

Canadian ice hockey has a rich history characterized by pivotal moments that have left lasting impressions on fans and betting markets alike. Events such as Paul Henderson's game-winning goal in the 1972 Summit Series revolutionized how bookmakers viewed Canadian teams, while Wayne Gretzky's trade to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 reshaped dynamics for both his former and new teams.

Moreover, the Montreal Canadiens' unexpected Stanley Cup run in 1993 underscored the importance of goaltending and spurred a reevaluation of betting odds. The 2010 Olympic golden goal by Sidney Crosby not only solidified Canada's international dominance but also aligned betting odds heavily in favor of Canadian teams during home soil tournaments. Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs broke a two-decade playoff drought in 2023, altering perceptions and betting dynamics regarding their postseason potential.