Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Columbus Blue Jackets taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 1-1 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: MSG Buffalo; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet East; City TV; TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montreal Canadiens. Jet Greaves is the confirmed starter for the Blue Jackets, who are 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. Columbus has picked the wrong time to have its season go off the rails. The Jackets were four points off the last wild card spot in the East heading into Saturday’s games. Adam Fantilli has scored twice in the last 10 games for Columbus.
Jakub Dobes will get the nod for Montreal, which is still in the hunt for the Atlantic Division title coming into the weekend. The Habs are winners of nine of their last 10 games and were in second place in the division. Cole Caufield became the first 50-goal scorer for the Canadiens since Stephane Richer did in the 1989-90 season.
These teams are heading into opposite directions. The Canadiens should take care of business in this game.
Prediction: Canadiens win 5-3.
