Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey take a look at the games, breaking down the key matchups and providing relevant analysis to how they might play out. Today, we feature the Montreal Canadiens as they host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Don’t forget to check out all the action, as our writers continue our NHL predictions throughout the 2024-25 season.
Montreal Canadiens Forward and Others Competing Hard for Team Canada Inclusion
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets (5-8-2) at Montreal Canadiens (5-10-2), from Bell Centre
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: Citytv, Sportsnet East, TVA Sports, NHL Network
Regular Season Series Montreal was 3-0-0 versus Columbus in 2023-24
The Montreal Canadiens Would Love to Get in the Win Column
The Canadiens make it hard to find any strengths sometimes. It definitely is a trying time within the organization. But how does it go that from the darkness comes the light. The players that are playing well for Montreal are their best players. It’s just getting all hands to elevate their game before the Canadiens will start to find consistent success.
Nick Suzuki has points in only one of his last six games. Yes it was a four-point effort, but that’s not good enough for the captain of your club. Sam Montembeault comes in as the suspected starter and comes into this one with an .893 save percentage and an even worse .346 winning percentage. Yes, there are positives, but the negatives overshadow them. Cole Caufield is among the league leaders in goals with 12, but only has one assist to his credit. Furthermore, Mike Matheson has ten points, but his defensive abilities comes into question.
We also want to note to please check for the very latest lineup news before locking in your fantasy starters. The Habs need to remember that they are at home and they should be able to beat the Blue Jackets. They have plenty of talent, but like Columbus lack experience. Therefore, it should be a fast-paced competitive matchup.
The Columbus Blue Jackets Are a Very Talented Offensive Group
One name Canadien fans will enjoy welcoming back to Montreal is Sean Monahan. Monahan was a Hab for parts of two seasons, and had 52 points in 74 games. He’s a big part of Columbus’ forward group and produces as such. Moreover, he has six goals and five assist thus far.
Another player playing well for Columbus is Kirill Marchenko. Marchenko is point-a-game player in 2024-25. Once a more complete roster surrounds players like Marchenko, the Blue Jackets will be a solid playoff contender. Adam Fantilli is another player looking to get going. Fantilli plays 17 hard minutes a night as a 20-year-old and has seven points on the year so far.
If Columbus can use their speed, they will give the Montreal defence fits. Look for them to battle hard to keep this one competitive.
NHL Predictions: Blue Jackets and Canadiens
This will be an action packed Saturday night contest in Montreal. Both teams have speedy, talented forwards who can put up points if they find their range. Look for Montreal to prevail as they take advantage of the advantage of being at home.
Prediction: Montreal win in regulation, 5-3.
According to Fanduel, if we want to look at adding some friendly wagers on the outcomes, check these out. We like starting it off with Montreal covering the spread at -1.5 paying +164. Also, Juraj Slafkovsky as an anytime scorer at +280 is a solid call. Finally, at a bit of alonger shot, Dmitri Voronkov rises to occasion and pots one paying +450.
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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