Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction, Preview and Odds - 04/11/2026

by Rod Pearson

Friday, Apr 10, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET, Saturday, April 11, 2026
Venue:  Centre Bell, Montréal, QC 
Where to Watch:  ESPN+


Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks

DraftKings:  Moneyline:  Blue Jackets +120, Canadiens -142; Over/Under:  6.5 goals
Bet365:  Moneyline:  Blue Jackets +120, Canadiens -140; Over/Under:  6 goals
BetMGM:  Moneyline:  Blue Jackets +120, Canadiens -140; Over/Under:  6 goals

Season Record

Columbus Blue Jackets:  39-28-12 (5th place, Metropolitan Division)
Montreal Canadiens:  47-22-10 (2nd place, Atlantic Division)

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Recent Form
Columbus Blue Jackets:  2-7-1 last 10
Montreal Canadiens:  9-1-0 last 10



Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Preview and Analysis


The Blue Jackets are entering this game with 90 points, a 39-28-12 record overall, and they are 19-17-4 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Buffalo Sabres in their last game, losing that one on the road 5-0. No one on the team scored a goal or recorded an assist for them in that one as the team was shut out. Adam Fantilli, Ivan Provorov, and Zach Werenski each led the team in shots on net in that game with 5. Jet Greaves was the starting goalie in that game and he allowed 4 goals on 23 shots with 19 saves and a .826 save percentage. Their offense has scored 245 goals this season averaging 3.1 goals per game and their defense has allowed their opponents to score 246 goals against them allowing 3.1 goals per game.



The Canadiens are entering this game with 104 points, a 47-22-10 record overall, and they are 24-14-2 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the Tampa Bay Lightning in their last game, winning that one at home 2-1. Juraj Slafkovský and Cole Caufield each scored 1 goal for them in that one. Nick Suzuki led the team in assists with 2 while Cole Caufield led the team in shots on net in that game with 5. Jakub Dobeš was the starting goalie in that game and he allowed 1 goal on 18 shots with 17 saves and a .944 sv percentage. Their offense has scored 275 goals this season averaging 3.5 goals per game and their defense has allowed their opponents to score 246 goals against them allowing 3.1 goals per game.


Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Prediction

The current betting odds have the Canadiens listed as a favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Canadiens have looked really good in their games this season with their 47-22-10 record overall which has them right near the top of their division in the East. They have looked great on home ice too with their 24-14-2 home record this season. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have looked good in their games this season with their 39-28-12 record overall, but that record has them in the bottom half of their division in the East. They haven't been a great road team either with their 19-17-4 road record this year. The Blue Jackets are in the Wild Card race at the moment, but they have looked like a team that doesn't want to make the playoffs. They have had a lot of trouble in their road games this year and they have looked terrible lately, going 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. They are off a 5-0 loss to the Sabres in their last one and the pressure is starting to mount for this team. The Canadiens have been rolling in their games lately though and they look like one of the best teams in the East at the moment. They are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games and have been rolling with 2 wins in a row now. They have looked great on home ice all season too and even though they have already clinched a playoff spot, they are only 2 points behind the Sabres in 1st place and will be looking to win the division with a game in hand. These two teams have been trending in opposite directions lately, so look for the Canadiens to continue rolling at home as they look to put some pressure on the Sabres in 1st place. The best way to place a bet here is on the Canadiens to win this game. 

Blue Jackets Canadiens Prediction:  Our NHL Pick for Saturday, April 11, 2026 (7:00 pm ET start time) is Canadiens 4 Blue Jackets 1.
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NHL Betting Trends


Columbus Blue Jackets: 27-62 (-19 units) on the moneyline as a road underdog. 21-31 (-6.6 units) on the moneyline after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game. 21-38 (-12.8 units) on the moneyline when playing against a marginal winning team (Win Pct. 51% to 60%). 20-9 OVER as a road underdog of +100 to +150.

Montreal Canadiens: 117-130 (+10.4 units) on the moneyline in all games. 37-30 (+12.5 units) on the moneyline when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%). 72-58 (+23.2 units) on the moneyline against terrible defensive teams - allowing 3+ goals/game. 22-13 OVER when the money line is -100 to -150.

Key Injuries


Columbus Blue Jackets:  D. Severson (D) Out For Season - Shoulder. D. Voronkov (LW) Out - Hand. M. Olivier (RW) Out - Upper Body. B. Smith (D) Out - Knee.

Montreal Canadiens:  A. Carrier (D) Out - Upper Body. P. Laine (RW) Out - Abdomen.


Notable Quotes


“It didn't go in for us tonight. They're a great hockey club over there. They didn't need many chances to score. But, again, give their goalie all the credit in the world. Like, we were fighting. That second period was one of the best periods we played all year, and we came out of it with nothing to show for it. So, if we play like that again on Saturday (against the Montreal Canadiens), we'll be fine.” - Rick Bowness after his team’s loss against the Sabres in their game on Thursday. 


“It’s fun that Cole got his 50th, Slaf got his 30th. They’re big goals, and a lot of goals. But I loved the way we carried ourselves. Together, but in control, too.” - Martin St Louis after his team’s win against the Lightning in their game on Thursday. 


Starting Lineups


Columbus Blue Jackets
LW Cole Sillinger
C Adam Fantilli
RW Kent Johnson
LD Zach Werenski
RD Dante Fabbro
G Jet Greaves

Montreal Canadiens
LW Cole Caufield
C Nick Suzuki
RW Juraj Slafkovský
LD Mike Matheson
RD Noah Dobson
G Jakub Dobes

Statistical Leaders


Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: Zach Werenski (80)
Goals: Kirill Marchenko (26)
Assists: Zach Werenski (58)
GAA: Jet Greaves (2.61)

Montreal Canadiens
Points: Nick Suzuki (98)
Goals: Cole Caufield (50)
Assists: Nick Suzuki (70)
GAA: Jacob Fowler (2.52)

Coaches:
Columbus Blue Jackets: Rick Bowness (1st season)
Montreal Canadiens: Martin St. Louis (5th season)


Rod Pearson

About the Author:

Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life.  He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years.  In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective.  Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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