Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Preview
The Canadiens and Blue Jackets are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Blue Jackets will host the game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.
This Eastern conference matchup has an over/under of 6.5 goals, and the Blue Jackets are favored to win at home vs. the Canadiens. Check out BetCoco for Columbus Blue Jackets – Montreal Canadiens odds
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Head-to-Head and Key Stats
The Canadiens have gone a perfect 3-0 in their last three head to head matchups vs. the Blue Jackets. Against the spread, the Canadiens have the edge at 2-1 over their last three games vs. the Blue Jackets. However, the Blue Jackets have gone 1-2 in their last three home games vs. the Canadiens.
- Through their last three road contests, the Canadiens offense has averaged 2 goals per game while allowing an average of 3. Montreal posted an overall record of 2-1 while going 1-2 ATS.
- Through their last ten home games, Columbus has an puck line record of just 8-2. However, their overall record was 1-9 while averaging 2 goals per game.
- Columbus has done well both straight up and vs the puck line when favored to win the game, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 puck line in their last three games.
- Although the Canadiens have a strong straight up record in their last three games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the puck line going 0-3.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction
Ahead of their matchup with Columbus, the Canadiens have a 9-10-2 record. Their performance when favored is 3-0-0, while they hold a 6-10-2 record as underdogs. On the road this season, they have a 4-4-2 record, while they are 5-6-0 in their games at home.
When looking at their offense, the Canadiens have an average of 2.7 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 28th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 26th in the league. The Canadiens went 1-1 in games where they had more shots than their opponents. However, in games with fewer shots on goal, their record was 8-9.
Goalie Sam Montembeault comes into the game having made eight starts this season. So far, his record is 4-3 and he has a save percentage of 90.8%.
Before their matchup against Montreal, the Blue Jackets arrive with a 7-12-4 record. They hold a 1-1-1 record when considered the favorites and 6-11-3 when seen as the underdogs. On the road this season, they have a 2-6-3 record, while they are 5-6-1 in their games at home.
On offense, the Blue Jackets are averaging 2.9 goals per game which is 13th in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 7th in the league. Coming into the game, the Blue Jackets have 2-4 record when they have more shots on goal than their opponent. When they have fewer shots on goal, they are 5-8.
Goalie Elvis Merzlikins comes into the game having made 16 starts this season. So far, his record is 5-7 and he has a save percentage of 90.7%.
Despite being 1.5 goal underdogs, we predict the Canadiens to come out on top with a final score of 4-3.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Betting Tips
- We like the Canadiens on the moneyline (+111)
- The Canadiens are also our pick on the spread at +1.5
- Our NHL model projects 7 goals, and we suggest taking the under
Columbus Blue Jackets Injury Report
- Damon Severson – Upper Body – Out
- Daniil Tarasov – Knee – Out
- Jack Roslovic – Ankle – Out
Montreal Canadiens Injury Report
- Carey Price – Knee – Out
- David Savard – Hand – Out
- Chris Wideman – Back – Out
- Jordan Harris – Lower Body – Out
- Rafael Harvey-Pinard – Lower Body – Out
- Kirby Dach – Knee – Out
- Arber Xhekaj – Upper Body – Out
