The Columbus Blue Jackets head to the Bell Centre to take on the Montreal Canadiens in this NHL regular season encounter. With a record of 39-28-12, the Blue Jackets are looking to improve their standing in the Eastern Metropolitan division. Under the guidance of head coach Rick Bowness, Columbus will aim to bounce back after a recent 0-5 loss against the Buffalo Sabres.
On the other side, the Montreal Canadiens boast an impressive 47-22-10 record, sitting comfortably in the Eastern Atlantic division. Coached by Martin St. Louis, the Canadiens are coming off a narrow 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Playing at home, Montreal aims to continue their winning streak and maintain their strong conference position.
According to the odds, the Canadiens are the favorites to win, with their moneyline set at -147, while the Blue Jackets are the underdogs at +126. The puck line also favors Montreal at -1.5 (+171), suggesting a close game could be on the cards. With the total set at 6.0, expect both teams to put up a competitive fight on Saturday night.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets At a Glance
- Game Location: The game takes place at the Bell Centre.
- Game Time: The game is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
- Broadcast Information: The game will be televised on ESPN+.
- Montreal Canadiens Record: The Canadiens have a season record of 47-22-10.
- Columbus Blue Jackets Record: The Blue Jackets have a season record of 39-28-12.
- Game Odds: The Montreal Canadiens are favored with a MoneyLine of -147, while the Columbus Blue Jackets have a MoneyLine of +126.
Canadiens Ready for Battle: Montreal Faces the Blue Jackets
Offensive Firepower
The Canadiens’ offense ranks 6th in goals scored this season, tallying 271. Their ability to find the back of the net consistently has been a key factor in their success.
With 465 assists, the team also ranks 4th in the league, showcasing their playmaking abilities. The combination of goal-scoring and assisting is a testament to their balanced offensive strategy.
Defensive Stalwarts
Defensively, the Canadiens have been solid, with 1293 blocks, leading the league in this category. This defensive prowess helps limit opponents’ scoring opportunities, providing a strong backbone for their game.
Additionally, with 1739 hits, they rank 7th, indicating their physical presence on the ice. This physicality can disrupt opponents’ rhythm and create turnovers that favor Montreal.
Faceoff and Puck Control
Winning 2217 faceoffs, the Canadiens rank 12th, illustrating their ability to control the puck from the start. Effective puck control is vital for setting up plays and maintaining offensive pressure.
The team has also excelled in takeaways, with 2127, ranking 9th. This reflects their strong defensive reads and quick transitions to offense.
Goaltending Performance
In the goaltending department, the Canadiens have allowed 229 goals, ranking 14th. While not the best in the league, this statistic shows a respectable level of defensive play.
With 1950 saves this season, the goaltenders have been crucial in keeping the team competitive. Although no shutouts have been recorded, their consistent performance remains pivotal.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU Last 10: 8-2 (80.0%)
- SU All Games: 33-22 (60.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 18-7 (72.0%)
These betting trends indicate a strong performance trend, particularly as an underdog, where they have been highly effective.
Blue Jackets Prepare for Crucial Showdown Against Canadiens
Offensive Overview
The away team has netted a total of 238 goals this season, placing them 16th in the league. Their offensive efforts are further highlighted by 405 assists, ranking them 14th overall. With 2313 shots on goal, they stand at 7th, indicating a strong offensive presence.
Despite their offensive capabilities, the team has struggled on the power play, with only 37 power play goals, ranking them 21st. This could be a focal point for improvement as they face the Blue Jackets.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, the team has faced 230 goals against, putting them in the 15th position. Their defensive efforts are supported by 1164 blocks, making them 12th in the league. They have also been quite physical, with 1539 hits, which places them 20th.
While their physicality is notable, it is crucial for them to tighten their defense against a Blue Jackets team eager to score. Maintaining discipline and minimizing penalties will be key to their success.
Goaltending Performance
In terms of goaltending, they have recorded a total of 2056 saves, which is a testament to their netminders’ resilience. Despite not having any shutouts, their ability to make crucial saves can be a game-changer. They will need to be at their best to keep the Blue Jackets’ offense in check.
Faceoff and Possession Insights
The team’s prowess in the faceoff circle is evident, with 2277 faceoffs won, ranking them 9th. However, they have also lost 2232 faceoffs, placing them 18th. This highlights the importance of winning key faceoffs to control the game’s tempo.
They’ve managed to limit giveaways to 1191, ranking them 16th, which is crucial in maintaining possession. Additionally, their ability to create 398 takeaways, ranked 21st, reflects their defensive tenacity.
Betting Trends
- Straight Up Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- Straight Up Last 5: 0-5 (0.0%)
- Straight Up Last 10: 3-7 (30.0%)
- All Games: 27-28 (49.1%)
- As Favorite: 16-6 (72.7%)
- As Underdog: 11-22 (33.3%)
As they prepare to take on the Blue Jackets, their current betting trends indicate a challenging stretch. With a straight-up record of 0-3 in the last three games, they will need to reverse this trend to emerge successfully.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets Prediction: Canadiens -147
The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bell Centre, where the Canadiens have been particularly strong this season. Holding a record of 47-22-10, Montreal is positioned second in the Atlantic Division and is riding a significant streak of having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their recent form, along with home advantage, makes them a formidable opponent for the struggling Blue Jackets.
Columbus, on the other hand, is experiencing a rough patch with a 39-28-12 record, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They have been on a 2-7-1 run in their last 10 games and are coming off a 5-0 shutout loss to the Buffalo Sabres, highlighting their offensive struggles. With Columbus needing a win to keep slim playoff hopes alive, the pressure is on, but their recent form doesn’t inspire confidence.
Montreal’s ability to capitalize on their offensive firepower, led by Cole Caufield and his milestone 50th goal, paired with strong performances from players like Nick Suzuki, positions them well against a Blue Jackets team struggling defensively. Montreal’s recent success against competitive teams like Tampa Bay further adds to their favor in this matchup.
Given these factors, the Canadiens are favored on the moneyline at -147. With Columbus’s recent scoring woes and Montreal’s strong home record, the Canadiens are likely to extend their winning run. The projected final score leans in favor of Montreal, with the Canadiens winning 4-2.
- Canadiens vs Blue Jackets Prediction: Canadiens -147
- Canadiens vs Blue Jackets Score: Canadiens 4 – Blue Jackets 2
