Luc LeBlanc
• Content Editor
3+ years betting experience
Updated:
Apr 2, 2026 , 09:46 AM ET
• 3 min read
Cole Caufield will kick the Rangers while they’re down tonight, as our NHL betting picks explain.
EXPERT PICK – PROP
Cole Caufield o0.5 Goals Scored (+130)
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens.
Tonight’s matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers will tell the tale of two extremes in a busy Eastern Conference. The Canadiens are scorching hot, winners of six straight, while the Rangers are the only team in the East eliminated from playoff contention.
My Canadiens vs. Rangers predictions and NHL picks lean into this sobering reality for the Rangers, as Cole Caufield & Co. will look to gain some ground with the Atlantic Division crown very much in sight on Thursday, April 2.
Canadiens vs Rangers prediction
Canadiens vs Rangers best bet: Cole Caufield anytime goal (+130)
Death, taxes, and Cole Caufield finding the back of the net.
The diminutive winger has scored more than anyone in 2026, notching an astounding 26 goals in his last 26 games. He’s scored in three straight and has seven in his last six.
Tonight, he faces a lowly New York Rangers squad that ranks near the bottom in effectively all defensive metrics.
He’s just three goals shy of the illustrious half-century mark — a feat that has eluded all Montreal Canadiens players for over 35 years.
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Canadiens vs Rangers same-game parlay
On the topic of red-hot Habs players, look no further than Juraj Slafkovsky.
The 2022 No. 1 pick has been playing at a 40-goal, 92-point pace for exactly half of the season, and has served as the perfect complement to Caufield and Nick Suzuki on the team’s top line.
He’s racked up 13 assists in 17 games since his show-stopping Olympic performance, and has nine in his last 10. Yet, somehow, a Slaf assist is set at plus-odds.
Overshadowed amidst the influx of career seasons in Montreal is Mike Matheson. His 24:17 average ice time per game leads the team (18th in the NHL), and he’s on pace for the second-best offensive totals of his career.
The Quebec native has blocked two or more shots in six of his last seven games.
Canadiens vs Rangers SGP
Cole Caufield anytime goal
Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 assists
Mike Matheson Over 1.5 blocked shots
Canadiens vs Rangers odds
Moneyline: Canadiens -150 | Rangers +130
Puck Line: Canadiens -1.5 (+160) | Rangers +1.5 (-190)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Canadiens vs Rangers trend
The Over has hit in nine consecutive meetings between these teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Rangers.
How to watch Canadiens vs Rangers
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN2
Canadiens vs Rangers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Luc has been passionate about sports since he was a child, playing competitive hockey and staying closely tuned to professional leagues. Today, he brings that same energy to his work as a Content Editor, covering NHL games, player props, and betting trends with a sharp, analytical eye.
Since 2023, Luc has been writing picks and analysis for various publications, helping readers discover value in several major sports. While hockey is his specialty, he also closely follows tennis, keeping up with both the ATP and WTA Tours.
A graduate of Saint Mary’s University (BSc, Geography, 2025), Luc approaches sports betting the way he approaches maps and statistics by looking for patterns, trends, and angles that give him an edge. He focuses on research-backed and well-informed picks, spotting correlations, and finding the best opportunities in player props and game markets.
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