Montreal Canadiens vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction 3-12-24 Picks

In this article we will formulate a Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadiens betting prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, March 12th at the Bell Centre in Montreal. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

• The Blue Jackets recent form and recent player performance 
• The Canadiens recent form and recent play performance
• Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Columbus
• Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Montreal
• Recent betting trends in games played between Columbus and Montreal
• A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between Columbus and Montreal 

Blue Jackets Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 22-32-10 this year after they lost to Nashville by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Columbus tied the game at one in the second period, but couldn’t find any more offense in the loss. The Blue Jackets were out shot by a total of 49-33 and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Columbus defeated Edmonton by a score of 4-2 in the game prior to Nashville, but lost to Pittsburgh in the game before that. The Blue Jackets are scoring 2.97 goals per game and they are allowing 3.61 goals against per game, while going 14.2% on the power play and 76.6% on the penalty kill. Johnny Gaudreau has led Columbus with 10 goals, 35 assists, and 127 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Elvis Merzlikins, who is 12-13-7 this year with a 3.21 goals against average and a .904 save percentage. 

Canadiens Preview

The Montreal Canadiens are 24-30-10 this season after they lost to Toronto by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Montreal tied the game at two early in the third period, but they allowed the game winning goal with about seven minutes left. The Canadiens out shot Toronto by a total of 31-27 and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Montreal lost to Carolina by a score of 4-1 in the game prior to Toronto, but did beat Nashville before that. The Canadiens are scoring 2.75 goals per game and they are allowing 3.48 goals against per game, while going 18.8% on the power play and 75.1% on the penalty kill. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with 25 goals, 36 assists, and 150 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for Montreal is Cayden Primeau, who is 5-6-2 this season with a 3.04 goals against average and a .901 save percentage. 

Montreal Canadiens Team Facts

• The Canadiens have lost each of their last nine games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last 12 night games at Bell Centre following a home loss.
• The Canadiens have lost the third period in eight of their last nine games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in nine of the Canadiens’ last 10 games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts

• The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last five games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last six games at Bell Centre following a loss.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last five games following a home loss.
• The Blue Jackets have won the first period in five of their last six games at Bell Centre.

Blue Jackets vs Canadiens Betting Prediction

Both of these teams come into this matchup sitting towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but Columbus has played decently well in recent games. The Blue Jackets have won three of their last five games, including wins over Edmonton and Vegas, but they are only 10-15-6 on the road. Montreal has picked up at least one point in three of their last five games, but they are only 12-17-3 on home ice. Both teams are not good defensively, but I do like how Columbus has played over the last two weeks. Take Columbus on the road.