NHL Betting Preview: Blue Jackets vs Canadiens
The Columbus Blue Jackets go up against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Thursday, March 26.
Find Out Why We’re Backing Canadiens
If you’re looking for a value bet, then -120 that the Canadiens beat the Blue Jackets certainly stands out. We’re expecting them to win on the Moneyline and there are attractive odds available.
Canadiens Are 7 From 10 on the Head-to-Head
Columbus Blue Jackets got the win in their previous game. A 3-2 triumph occurred on the road at Xfinity Mobile Arena when playing Philadelphia Flyers. Zach Werenski, Mason Marchment and Mathieu Olivier each scored one goal. Goalie Jet Greaves stopped 24 shots (.923).
Montreal Canadiens won their last game 5-2, making it three home wins on the bounce. This was recorded at Bell Centre against Carolina Hurricanes. The goals were shared around between five players including Juraj Slafkovsky. Goalie Jakub Dobes produced a great performance and had 41 saves (.953).
Head-to-Head Statistics
The Blue Jackets have beaten the Habs in their last two meetings, winning by 5-4 and 4-3 (SO) scorelines. Both encounters were played at Nationwide Arena. In the past 10 games between the teams, the Habs have won seven.
Starting Goalies
Jet Greaves (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
24-13-8
2.6
.910
2
23/24
3-6-0
3.49
.908
0
Jakub Dobes (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
23-8-4
2.9
.896
0
Columbus Blue Jackets – Last 10 Games
6 wins, 1 loss and 3 overtime losses, averaging 3.4 goals from 29.4 shots on goal, with a 16.7% powerplay efficiency. The Blue Jackets have been giving up 2.4 goals from 23.3 shots, averaging 3.8 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 89.5%.
Zach Werenski is the top points scorer with 12 points, 1 goal and 11 assists, with Adam Fantilli racking up 11 points, 4 goals and 7 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Jet Greaves have a 2.14 goal against average with a .914 save percentage.
Montreal Canadiens – Last 10 Games
The Habs have 6 wins, 3 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 3.6 goals from 28.3 shots on goal, with a 19.4% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 2.9 goals from 29.5 shots, averaging 3.2 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 81.3%.
The top points scorer is Nick Suzuki with 17 points, 5 goals and 12 assists, while Cole Caufield is next in line after having 16 points, 9 goals and 7 assists. Goalie Jakub Dobes have a 2.17 GAA with a .926 SV%.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Picks
This expert Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens betting breakdown features our match prediction, a correct score pick and a carefully constructed bet builder to guide your wagers.
Game Prediction
The best bet could be taking Montreal Canadiens to simply achieve a victory in this NHL clash. Our pick can be taken at -120 on the Moneyline which yields a potentially nice return.
We closely track recent form and look for patterns that may impact the outcome. The same goes for injuries to key players. When combined with the most relevant NHL stats, this gives us a strong foundation for accurate hockey predictions.
Key Blue Jackets vs Canadiens stats:
Canadiens have won 3 consecutive games at home.Canadiens have won 7 of their last 10 games at home.Canadiens have won 14 of their last 20 games at home.Canadiens have won 7 of their last 10 games against Blue Jackets.Canadiens Moneyline Probability
The odds at the top betting apps suggest our pick has a 54.6% chance of winning. However, our cappers have this number closer to 60% based on their in-depth research. This is why we regard this as a value bet.
Looking for Bigger Odds?
We advise heading to the Match Winner & Total Goals lines if you want to combine the Montreal win with an Over or Under selection. This provides plenty of juice for bettors looking for extra value.
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Our Game Prediction
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Mar 25, 23:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 23:56, 25 March 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Close Game On the Cards According to Latest Odds
When you consider the latest Moneyline odds, you can find Montreal Canadiens at -120 whereas Columbus Blue Jackets are -100. The hosts have a 55% chance of victory in the eyes of the leading sportsbooks.
The puck line is 1.5 and total goals is 6.5. The Totals offers hockey bettors an alternative way of getting involved. There’s an opportunity to bet Over 6.5 at -106.
There are a huge selection of game lines and team props when it comes to betting on this popular league and we recommend visiting the best NHL sportsbooks to find the wager that matches your view on the clash.
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
Columbus Blue Jackets Stats
Montreal Canadiens Stats
6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games
+1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in the last 10 games
+1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games on the road
-1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 games
-1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 home games
Game Totals: An average of 5.90 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals on the Road: An average of 5.10 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
Over 6.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games on the road
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.50 goals and allowed 2.40 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.00 pts and allowed 2.10 goals in the last 10 games on the road
Game Totals: An average of 6.60 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.90 goals in the previous 10 home games
Over 6.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 home games
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.60 goals and allowed 3.00 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 4.20 goals and allowed 2.70 goals in the last 10 home games
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.6
Shots: 29.4
Goals Shorthanded: 0
Penalties: 3.8
Empty Net Goals: 0.3
Penalty Minutes: 11
Blocks: 15.1
Faceoff Wins : 27.1
Hits: 18.3
Giveaways: 15.2
Takeaways: 5.9
Last 10 Games on the Road
Goals Powerplay: 0.5
Shots: 27.9
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 3.4
Empty Net Goals: 0.4
Penalty Minutes: 7.5
Blocks: 14.2
Faceoff Wins : 26.8
Hits: 20.3
Giveaways: 14.8
Takeaways: 5.8
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.7
Shots: 28.3
Goals Shorthanded: 0
Penalties: 3.2
Empty Net Goals: 0.2
Penalty Minutes: 8.5
Blocks: 12.9
Faceoff Wins : 29.3
Hits: 23.2
Giveaways: 15.6
Takeaways: 4.6
Last 10 Home Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.6
Shots: 28
Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
Penalties: 3.2
Empty Net Goals: 0.4
Penalty Minutes: 8.5
Blocks: 13.7
Faceoff Wins : 28.8
Hits: 21.3
Giveaways: 13.6
Takeaways: 5
Starting Lineups
Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.
Expert Analysis by Kevin Thompson
NHL Analyst
About the Analyst
Our ice hockey previews are produced by a specialised team of analysts, former odds compilers and sports journalists. Picks are research-driven and reviewed for accuracy and editorial consistency under the oversight of our hockey panel and Editor-in-Chief.
NHL Predictions Methodology
Our NHL analysis combines the latest team news, injury reports and line changes with recent form and market movement. We factor in situational analysis like home ice advantage and schedule spots. Metrics such as Corsi, Fenwick, Expected Goals (xG) and PDO are used to evaluate puck possession, shot quality, goaltending performance and special teams efficiency beyond the traditional box score.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
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Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on Mar 25, 23:56 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, confirmed lines and pairings, starting goaltenders, lineup changes, schedule context, key performance metrics and odds movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Ice Hockey Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our game predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
Important: Betting should be treated as entertainment and involves risk. Past results are not indicative of future performance. Only wager what you can afford to lose.
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