Free Pick: Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens Odds
Looking for Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens free NHL predictions? NHL betting sees the Blue Jackets taking on the Canadiens on 3/26 at Bell Centre, in Montreal. This free NHL pick is based on matchup analysis and documented handicapping data tracked by CappersPicks since 2004, with a focus on identifying the strongest betting angle for this Blue Jackets Canadiens matchup.
2026 NHL Handicapping – Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens
(38-22) Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens (39-21)
Date: Mar 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Bell Centre in Montreal, QC
NHL Moneyline Odds: Blue Jackets +102 | Canadiens -120 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NHL Puck Line Betting Odds: Blue Jackets +1.5 | Canadiens -1.5
NHL Hockey Gambling Total: O/U: 6.5
Here’s why I’m backing a Columbus ML bet below in my Blue Jackets Canadiens free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens Gameday
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens get set to meet in a strong late-season matchup. Columbus, guided by Rick Bowness, comes in with a 38-22-11 record.
Montreal, coached by Martin St. Louis, holds a slightly better mark at 39-21-10.
This game takes place at the Bell Centre, where the Canadiens will have the home ice advantage. The Blue Jackets sit second in the Eastern Metropolitan Division, while Montreal is third in the Eastern Atlantic. First meetings this late in the season can carry extra weight.
Columbus has been steady lately, winning four of its last five games. That stretch includes a 6-3 win over the Rangers and a 5-1 victory against Carolina. Momentum tends to matter when teams are playing this consistently.
Games like this often hinge on pace, and both teams have shown they can push it.
Montreal has matched that form with strong recent results of its own. They beat Carolina 5-2 and handled the Islanders 7-3 in another high-scoring game.
With both sides producing offense, this sets up as a competitive spot on ESPN+.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens Odds & Last 5
The betting line leans slightly toward Montreal, with the Canadiens listed at -120 on the moneyline. Columbus checks in as a small underdog at +102, reflecting how close this matchup is expected to be.
The puck line shows Montreal -1.5 at +196 and Columbus +1.5 at -243.
Columbus has put together a solid recent run with a mix of strong wins and a tight loss. They beat Philadelphia 3-2 and followed with a 5-2 win over Seattle.
The 1-0 loss to the Islanders shows they can also play in lower-scoring games.
Montreal has been consistent offensively, highlighted by wins over Carolina and the Islanders. The 5-2 and 7-3 results show their scoring depth. Even in a 3-1 loss to Detroit, they stayed competitive throughout.
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Canadiens Stats
Montreal’s offense has been one of the most productive units in the league this season. They rank 4th in goals with 247 and 3rd in assists with 427. That level of production has carried into recent home performances.
Cole Caufield continues to lead the way with 44 goals and 32 assists, totaling 76 points. He recently delivered a hat trick and two assists against the Islanders. High-end scorers often take over games in stretches.
Juraj Slafkovsky has also been a key contributor, posting 28 goals and 35 assists for 63 points. He added a goal and an assist in the win over Carolina. Secondary scoring like this gives the lineup balance.
On defense, Lane Hutson leads with 112 blocks and continues to contribute in multiple areas. He also recorded two assists in a recent win over Boston.
Defensive involvement helps maintain possession.
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Blue Jackets Stats
Columbus has been effective offensively throughout the 2026 season. They rank 11th in goals with 225 and 14th in assists with 383. Their shot volume stands out, ranking 5th with 2115 shots on goal.
Defensively, the Blue Jackets have held their ground. They rank 12th in goals allowed with 204, and their goaltenders have combined for 1848 saves. They have yet to record a shutout this season.
Recent games show a team that can produce consistently. Wins over Philadelphia and Seattle highlight their scoring ability. Even when the power play is quiet, they find ways to generate offense.
Zach Werenski leads with 77 points, including 21 goals and 56 assists, while Kirill Marchenko adds 59 points with 25 goals. Goaltender Jet Greaves has also played a key role.
Core production like this keeps them competitive.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens bottom line: both teams bring strong recent form, with Montreal holding a slight edge at home.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens Hockey Betting Trends
- Montreal has won 3 of their last 5 games.
- In their last 5 games, the Canadiens have scored a total of 19 goals.
- Also, the Canadiens have allowed 14 goals in their last 5 games.
- Columbus has won 4 of their last 5 games.
- Additionally, the Blue Jackets have scored 19 goals in their last 5 games.
- Columbus has allowed 11 goals over their last 5 games.
Blue Jackets Canadiens Free Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets ML +102
Here is my Blue Jackets Canadiens free pick: I’m taking Columbus on the moneyline because this price feels a little too generous for the team in steadier form.
The Blue Jackets have won four of their last five games, and they’ve only allowed 11 total goals in that stretch. That tells you the defensive structure has been a lot cleaner than what Montreal is bringing into this matchup.
The Canadiens have scored enough to stay dangerous, no question, but they’ve also allowed 14 goals over their last five. That difference matters when both teams have produced the same 19 goals in that span.
When offenses are matching each other, the team defending better usually ends up holding the stronger ticket.
In general, Columbus looks a bit more balanced right now. They’re not just trading chances and hoping for the best, which is usually what you want in a near pick’em spot.
Also, that plus-money tag makes the choice even easier to swallow.
Montreal can absolutely hang around, but Columbus has been handling pressure better and keeping games under control more often.
Blue Jackets moneyline +102 is the play here. The value sits with the steadier side.
Today’s NHL Free Pick
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NHL Betting Tweet Of The Day
Another playoff-like matchup in Montreal
Read ↓ #GoHabsGo | @kfc_canada https://t.co/AzI5fBNRV0
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 26, 2026
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