Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Picks and Prediction for Saturday, April 11, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre on Saturday, April 11, at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Columbus is 39-28-12, four points behind the second and final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with three games remaining in the regular season, while Montreal is 47-22-10, holds second place in the Atlantic Division, and has clinched a playoff berth. The Blue Jackets lost their most recent game 5-0 to the Sabres, while the Canadiens picked up a 2-1 win over the Lightning. Build your bankroll with our free NHL picks.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Offense Needs Support After Recent Loss
The Blue Jackets are coming off a 5-0 loss to Buffalo, continuing a difficult stretch where they have dropped four of their last five games. That skid has put pressure on both ends of the ice, particularly defensively, where they have allowed multiple goals in each of those losses.
Columbus is averaging 3.01 goals per game while allowing 3.09, but has lacked defense in front of the net of late. Zach Werenski leads the team with 80 points and continues to drive play from the blue line, while Kirill Marchenko has scored 26 goals to provide a scoring presence up front. Adam Fantilli and Charlie Coyle have also contributed consistently, giving the lineup multiple options.
The issue for Columbus has been consistency, particularly in finishing chances and limiting opponents’ scoring. When the Blue Jackets are generating offense early, they can stay competitive, but falling behind has been a recurring problem. Against a strong Montreal team, they will need a more complete effort.
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Injuries: Columbus does not have any players listed on its injury report
Montreal Canadiens: Balanced Attack and Strong Form
Montreal enters this matchup after a 2-1 win over Tampa Bay, giving them back-to-back victories and wins in four of their last five games. That stretch has reinforced their position near the top of the Atlantic Division and highlighted their ability to win tight games.
The Canadiens are averaging 3.43 goals per game while allowing 3.05, showing a slight edge on both sides compared to Columbus. Nick Suzuki leads the team with 98 points and continues to be one of the most productive playmakers in the league, while Cole Caufield has scored 50 goals, providing the Canadiens with one of the league’s best goal scorers. Contributions from players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Lane Hutson add further depth to the attack.
Montreal has been effective at controlling games through tough defense and timely scoring. They do not rely on a single line, and depth has allowed them to remain consistent even in close contests. At home, that play becomes even more impactful.
Injuries: Alexandre Carrier, Out, Patrik Laine, Out
Goalie Matchup
Columbus Blue Jackets – Jet Greaves
Greaves is 25-17-9 with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. He has been solid overall, but recent team struggles have put more pressure on him to keep games close.
Montreal Canadiens – Jakub Dobes
Dobes is 29-8-4 with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. He has provided consistency in net and has been a key factor in Montreal’s strong position in the standings.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Pick
- Montreal -1.5
Montreal holds the advantage in this matchup due to its current form and overall depth. The Canadiens are playing with confidence and have been more consistent on both ends of the ice. Columbus has struggled defensively during its recent poor stretch, and that is a concern against a team that can generate offense from multiple lines. Montreal will continue its balanced play, control this game, and come away with the win.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Over/Under Pick
- Under
This matchup will produce limited scoring. Montreal has the offensive capability to generate multiple goals, while Columbus will find it hard to penetrate the Canadiens' defense and score on Dobes. Both goaltenders have been steady enough to prevent this from becoming a high-scoring contest. The under is the stronger play here.
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