Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/26/26

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens are set for an Eastern Conference battle on Thursday night at Bell Centre. Both of these teams would be in the playoffs if the postseason started today, and the Blue Jackets have been on an absolute heater since hiring Rick Bowness. However, they have scored just 3 total goals over their last 3 games. The good news is that Montreal allows plenty of goals, ranking 25th in the NHL allowing 3.21 goals per game. Montreal’s team save percentage of .889 is near the bottom of the league as well, so don’t be surprised if the Blue Jackets’ offense bounces back in a big way in this one.

The Canadiens may give up plenty of goals, but they score plenty of goals as well. Montreal ranks 3rd in the league scoring 3.53 goals per game, and have scored 12 total goals over their last 2 games. Those matchups came against the Hurricanes and Islanders – a pair of strong defensive teams with solid goaltending. The Blue Jackets are not as strong defensively, and they present a favorable matchup for the Canadiens. Both teams play and open style of hockey that encourages driving the net and being creative in the offensive zone. Both teams also have offensive-minded defensemen in Zach Werenski and Lane Hutson. That formula could make for a high-scoring affair.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction: Over 6.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.