Nashville Predators vs Montreal Canadiens prediction, odds and best bet for Oct. 8, 2026
The Montreal Canadiens are projected to beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 on Thursday, Oct. 8. Montreal’s stronger overall record last season and Slafkovsky’s scoring contribution after moving to the top line give the hosts a slight edge. Injuries and consecutive losses temper that advantage, however, and neither the supplied puck-line prices nor the 6.5 total produces an actionable wager. SportsJaw’s official recommendation is Pass.
Nashville Predators vs Montreal Canadiens prediction and best bet
Montreal is the pick to win a close game, with low confidence. The Canadiens finished 2025-26 at 48-24-10, compared with Nashville’s 38-34-10. That broader performance gap gives Montreal a starting advantage in this forecast, although its current injuries and two-game skid make last season’s results an imperfect guide.
The best betting decision is Pass. Picking Montreal to win does not require backing Montreal -1.5 (+143), and projecting a one-goal margin does not automatically make Nashville +1.5 (-166) good value. The same distinction applies to the total: a seven-goal forecast favors an Over outcome, but a single projected score is too narrow a basis for an official wager.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Nashville Predators at Montreal Canadiens, NHL, 2026-27 season. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. EDT in Montreal, Quebec.
SportsJaw moneyline: Nashville +154; Montreal -175.
SportsJaw puck line: Nashville +1.5 (-166); Montreal -1.5 (+143).
SportsJaw total: Over 6.5 (+106); Under 6.5 (-119).
Recent form: Montreal enters on a two-game skid. Nashville lost 5-4 in overtime to Toronto on Oct. 6.