The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to host the Montreal Canadiens at Nationwide Arena in what promises to be an intriguing NHL matchup, with both teams showing contrasting recent forms.
The Canadiens enter the contest riding high on a three-game winning streak, including an impressive 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, while the Blue Jackets aim to bounce back from a narrow 5-4 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Historical matchups heavily favor the visiting Canadiens, who have won seven consecutive games against Columbus and claimed victory in seven of their last ten meetings, including a recent 4-3 win at Nationwide Arena.
The goaltending battle will feature Sam Montembeault, who has been stellar for Montreal with a .915 save percentage in his last ten games, facing off against Columbus's Elvis Merzlikins, who looks to improve upon his recent .873 save percentage.
While the Blue Jackets have shown strength at home with 12 wins in their last 20 games, the Canadiens' road record presents a vulnerability with seven losses in their last ten away games.
This compelling matchup sets the stage for what could be either a continuation of Montreal's dominance in the series or a potential turning point for the determined Columbus squad looking to defend their home ice.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens: who will win?
For tonight's Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens matchup, our predictive model gives the Blue Jackets a 57.33% chance of defeating the Canadiens.
Columbus Blue Jackets: 57.33% win probability
- Superior offensive output (112 goals scored vs Canadiens' 97)
- Better points accumulation (32 points in 34 games vs Canadiens' 31 in 33)
- More consistent scoring rate (3.29 goals per game vs Canadiens' 2.94)
Montreal Canadiens: 42.67% win probability
- Poor defensive record (118 goals against, ranking near bottom of Eastern Conference)
- Inconsistent road performance (16 losses in 33 games)
- Negative goal differential (-21 compared to Blue Jackets' -11)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens odds
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Montreal Canadiens | |
|---|---|---|
| moneyline | -135 (via DraftKings Sportsbook) | +115 (via Caesars Sportsbook) |
Key stats
- 1The Columbus Blue Jackets have won 13 out of 34 matches this season.
- 2The Montreal Canadiens have won 14 out of 33 matches this season.
- 3With 32 points, the Columbus Blue Jackets holds the 13th position in the league standings.
- 4Montreal Canadiens's 31 points place them 14th in the rankings.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens form
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens head to head
Columbus Blue Jackets
0%
Montreal Canadiens
100%
Nov 28, 2024
Columbus Blue Jackets
3 : 4
Montreal Canadiens
Nov 17, 2024
Montreal Canadiens
5 : 1
Columbus Blue Jackets
Mar 12, 2024
Montreal Canadiens
3 : 0
Columbus Blue Jackets
Nov 30, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
2 : 4
Montreal Canadiens
Oct 26, 2023
Montreal Canadiens
4 : 3
Columbus Blue Jackets
Mar 25, 2023
Montreal Canadiens
8 : 2
Columbus Blue Jackets
