Montreal Canadiens vs
Columbus Blue JacketsPredictions & Preview

Canadiens Look to Extend Dominance Over Blue Jackets in Division Rivalry Showdown

Two teams looking to improve their standings in their division will face off in Ohio as the Montreal Canadiens take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Montreal is coming off a 5-1 victory over Detroit, while Columbus fell 5-4 in overtime against Philadelphia in their last game. The Canadiens have dominated recent matchups against the Blue Jackets, winning the last seven meetings. Columbus opens as the betting favorite at -133 and the line has remained steady.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Canadiens +116 | Blue Jackets -133
• Spread: Canadiens +1.5 (-214) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+180)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Columbus will win straight-up is 57%.

Montreal vs Columbus Stats

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens secured their third consecutive win by sweeping a home-and-home series with Detroit and claiming a home victory. With a current record of 14-16-3, the Canadiens are aiming to climb the standings in the Atlantic Division, currently sitting in sixth place. They are 13 points behind the top teams and nine points behind a playoff spot. Montreal ranks 20th in the league in offensive production, averaging 2.91 goals per game, and 29th in goals against, allowing an average of 3.55 goals per game. On special teams, they are 12th in power play success and tied for 9th in penalty killing. In their recent game against Detroit, Montreal dominated early, taking a 3-1 lead in the first period and extending it to 5-1 by the end of the second period. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault made 20 saves to secure the victory. With a power ranking of 23, Montreal ranks 22nd in offense and 31st in defense, with a record of 14-16-3 for the season.

Columbus Blue Jackets Analysis

The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered their sixth loss in seven games, though they managed to earn a point in an overtime defeat to Philadelphia. Despite their efforts, the team currently holds a record of 13-15-6 and sits in eighth place in the Metropolitan Division, trailing the Devils by 15 points for the top spot. The Blue Jackets are also 11 points behind the Hurricanes for the final guaranteed playoff spot in the division. They rank 10th in goals per game, averaging 3.26 goals, but struggle defensively, ranking 31st in goals against, allowing an average of 3.62 goals per game. Their power play success rate is 2oth in the league at 18.7%, while their penalty killing efficiency is 27th at 73.5%. In their recent matchup against Philadelphia, Columbus opened the scoring with a goal from Mathieu Olivier but ultimately lost in overtime after a back-and-forth game. The team was outshot 30-25, with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins making 25 saves in the defeat. The Blue Jackets are ranked 14th in power rankings and have a strong offense, ranking 10th, but struggle defensively, ranking 28th. In their last three matchups, Montreal has gone 0-2-1 against Columbus.

Montreal Canadiens Riding Momentum into Matchup Against Struggling Columbus Blue Jackets

Despite both teams being outside the playoff picture, Montreal enters this contest with some momentum. The Canadiens have secured three consecutive wins, scoring a total of 15 goals during this successful streak. On the other hand, Columbus has been experiencing difficulties, with a record of 2-5-3 in their last 10 games. In their previous game, the Blue Jackets squandered a two-goal lead after two periods against Philadelphia. Columbus has struggled defensively, allowing at least four goals in seven of their last 10 games. With Montreal performing well at the moment, it is likely that the Canadiens will emerge victorious in this matchup.

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