Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Prediction, Picks, Odds & Starting Goalies (Mar. 26)

• My Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction targets Montreal at home against a Columbus team that’s 0-4 in their last 4 in Montreal
• Columbus is 20-3-4 in their last 27 but has struggled on the road against winning teams
• See my Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction, picks, odds and starting goalies below

Two of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference meet Thursday at Bell Centre with NHL playoff bracket positioning on the line. The Columbus Blue Jackets (38-22-11) are 20-3-4 in their last 27 games, the first time the franchise has won 20 in a 27-game span since 2016-17. The Montreal Canadiens (39-21-10) are posting their best record through 70 games since 2014-15.

The last three meetings between these clubs have been tight, with the teams combining for 22 goals and splitting the results. Columbus has scored first in all three.

Puck drop is set for 7 pm ET from Bell Centre in Montreal. My Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction, picks and NHL odds are below.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Prediction

• Canadiens ML (-120 at Bet365)

Montreal is where I’m landing for my Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction. The Habs are 11-5 as a home favorite over their last 16 and own the H2H at 6-2 over the last eight meetings. Columbus is 0-4 in their last four games at Bell Centre and just 2-7 in the last nine overall against Montreal.

The Canadiens lead the NHL in shooting percentage (13.24%) and opponent save percentage (.868), meaning they convert at the highest rate while forcing opposing goalies into their worst performances. Their 25.0% power play ranks third, and Columbus’ penalty kill at 77.9% isn’t equipped to handle it.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Key Stats

Columbus does have the defensive edge, allowing fewer goals and posting a better save percentage. They’ve also held opponents to two or fewer goals in five straight road games, the longest active streak in the NHL.

But Montreal’s offense is a different beast. Cole Caufield has seven goals in his last six games, including a hat trick against the Islanders. Nick Suzuki sits at 299 career assists and needs one more to become the second-fastest Canadien to reach 300. I’m taking the Habs at home for my Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Picks

I’ve got one from each side for my Blue Jackets vs Canadiens picks Thursday.

• Kirill Marchenko Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-108)

Marchenko has cleared 2.5 shots in 7 of his last 9 games as an underdog (78% hit rate). The Blue Jackets generate 29.80 shots per game (5th in the NHL), and Columbus will need their top forwards firing in a road underdog spot.

The 24-year-old Russian winger won’t hesitate to fire from anywhere on the ice, especially against a Montreal team with an .884 save percentage. When you know the goaltending is beatable, you shoot more.

• Mike Matheson Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-112)

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I’m turning to the Habs’ blueline to wrap up my Blue Jackets vs Canadiens picks. Matheson has cleared 1.5 shots in 6 of his last 8 games (75%), averaging 1.88 per contest.

The Canadiens defenseman quarterbacks the second power play unit and should see extra reps if Columbus keeps taking penalties. The Blue Jackets average 8.15 penalty minutes per game, so the opportunities should be there.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Odds

Odds as of Mar. 26. Claim the DraftKings promo code to bet on tonight’s Blue Jackets vs Canadiens odds.

Montreal is -120 at Fanatics, while Columbus is +102 at DraftKings. The puck line has the Blue Jackets at +1.5 (-225) and the Canadiens at -1.5 (+205). The total sits at 6.5 with the over at -115 and the under at even money.

Both penalty kills rank in the bottom 10, so special teams could push this game over the total in a hurry.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Starting Goalies

Jet Greaves is confirmed for Columbus. The 24-year-old has been outstanding in March, going 6-1-1 with a 2.14 GAA and .916 save percentage in eight appearances. He saved 24 of 26 shots in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Philadelphia.

Jakub Dobes is the likely starter for Montreal. The 24-year-old Czech netminder has gone 4-2-0 in his last six starts with a 2.20 GAA and .926 save percentage. He stopped 41 of 43 shots in Tuesday’s 5-2 win over Carolina despite being outshot 43-19.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Goalie Stats

Columbus is missing Brendan Smith (lower body, out indefinitely). Montreal is without Kirby Dach (upper body, out 2-4 weeks) and Patrik Laine (lower body, out indefinitely).