Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Montreal Canadiens at Nationwide Arena in NHL Cup play. Columbus enters at 9-8-2, looking to rebound from a shootout loss to the Rangers, while Montreal sits at 10-6-2 but has dropped three straight. Bettors will weigh the Blue Jackets’ penalty-kill resurgence against the Canadiens’ scoring slump and power-play struggles.
Line Movement and Odds
Canadiens Puck Line: +1.5 (-224)
Blue Jackets Puck Line: -1.5 (+182)
Canadiens MoneyLine: +109
Blue Jackets MoneyLine: -129
Total: 6.5 (Over -101, Under -118)
Columbus opened as a slight home favorite, reflecting their defensive form and Montreal’s recent skid. See full NHL odds for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Montreal Canadiens Outlook
Montreal has gone 1-3-2 in its last six, scoring just three goals in its last three losses. Nick Suzuki leads with 21 points, while Cole Caufield has 13 goals. The Canadiens rank 5th in goals scored (60) but are 0-for-17 on the power play over their last five games. Their physical play remains a strength, ranking 13th in hits and 7th in blocks. Goaltending has been split between Jakub Dobes (.901 SV%) and Samuel Montembeault (.858 SV%).
Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook
Kirill Marchenko has 20 points and an 11-game point streak, while Dmitri Voronkov and Zach Werenski continue to contribute offensively. Columbus ranks 5th in shots on goal (564) and has improved its penalty kill, going 18-for-20 in its last 10 games. Jet Greaves has started four straight in net, moving ahead of Elvis Merzlikins. The Jackets are 4-0 straight up as favorites this season.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The Canadiens must break their power-play drought and rely on Suzuki and Caufield to generate offense. The Blue Jackets need Marchenko to extend his streak and their penalty kill to neutralize Montreal’s special teams. Goaltending consistency will be critical for both sides.
Injuries / Availability
Montreal lists Kirby Dach (foot), Kaiden Guhle (lower body), Alex Newhook (ankle), and Patrik Laine (lower body) as out.
Columbus lists Erik Gudbranson (upper body), Boone Jenner (upper body), and Luca Marrelli (shoulder) as out.
Environment
The game tips at Nationwide Arena, where Columbus is 5-4-1 at home. Montreal is 4-5-1 on the road, struggling to find offensive rhythm away from Bell Centre. Expect Columbus’ aggressive shot volume to test Montreal’s goaltending, while the Canadiens lean on physical play to stay competitive.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Blue Jackets 4, Canadiens 3
Best Bet: Blue Jackets MoneyLine -129
Columbus’ improved penalty kill and Marchenko’s hot streak give them the edge at home.
Total: Over 6.5 (-101)
Our model projects 7 goals, leaning over given both teams’ offensive potential.
Columbus’ defensive form and home-ice advantage should carry them, but Montreal’s urgency makes this a tight contest. Expect a competitive game that trends slightly over the total.
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