Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction -

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction - March 26, 2026

Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.

The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to Montreal to face the Canadiens in a matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. Columbus enters with momentum, while Montreal seeks to rediscover consistency. This Blue Jackets vs Canadiens prediction breaks down the key factors that will determine Thursday night's outcome.

Team Form & Recent Performance

Columbus has been impressive lately, winning four of their last five games to build real momentum heading into this contest. The Blue Jackets are playing with confidence and executing at both ends of the ice. Montreal, meanwhile, has captured three wins in their last five, which is respectable but doesn't pack the same punch as Columbus's recent tear. Both teams enter without back-to-back fatigue, each enjoying a full day of rest before puck drop, so neither side can claim a rest advantage in this Blue Jackets Canadiens pick.

Advanced Stats Comparison

The underlying numbers tell a compelling story favoring Columbus. The Blue Jackets dominate in Corsi percentage (CF%), recording 51.44 compared to Montreal's 48.95—meaning Columbus is generating more shot attempts and controlling play in their favor. This gap widens in Expected Goals For percentage (xGF%), where Columbus edges out Montreal 55.5% to 51.48%, suggesting the Blue Jackets are creating higher-quality scoring chances. High-danger chances are essentially even at 50.0% and 50.35% respectively, but Columbus's overall dominance in shot volume and shot quality provides a clear edge in this advanced metrics comparison.

Goalie Matchup

J. Greaves takes the net for Columbus, carrying a solid 24-13-8 record into this matchup. He's been a stabilizing force for the Blue Jackets and has benefited from his team's strong possession game. Montreal counters with J. Dobes, who owns an impressive 23-8-4 record—slightly better win-loss ratio than Greaves. Dobes has been stellar between the pipes for the Canadiens, but he'll face a Columbus team that's been generating chances at a higher rate. The goalie advantage leans marginally toward Dobes on paper, but Greaves will have the luxury of playing behind a team controlling more of the play.

Goalscorer Picks

Columbus: Kirill Marchenko is the primary anytime goalscorer pick for the Blue Jackets. The skilled winger has been a consistent threat and should see premium scoring opportunities given Columbus's offensive dominance. Dark horse pick: Charlie Coyle offers real value at better odds; he's been generating chances and could capitalize against a Montreal defense managing high shot volume.

Montreal: Nick Suzuki remains the Canadiens' most dangerous offensive threat and represents the safest goalscorer bet for Montreal. The young star will look to spark his team in a home environment. Dark horse pick: Juraj Slafkovský has been creating high-danger chances recently and presents an excellent value play with better odds than the obvious selections.

Prediction

WP Hockey Predictor gives the Columbus Blue Jackets a 53.5% win probability versus Montreal's 46.5%. Our advanced analytics calculator favors Columbus based on their superior possession metrics, higher expected goals rate, and recent four-game winning streak. While Montreal's goalie is playing at an elite level, the Blue Jackets' overall dominance in generating chances—combined with their current form—provides enough of an edge to justify the pick. Run your own prediction to see how different variables impact the matchup.