Montreal Canadiens vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 12/23/24

In this article, we will formulate a Montreal Canadiens vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Monday, December 23rd at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Montreal Canadiens are 14-16-3 this year after they defeated the Red Wings by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Montreal trailed 1-0 early in the first, but they scored the last five goals in the game for the win. The Canadiens outshot Detroit by a total of 24-21, won 57.1% of the face-offs, and went 1-5 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Evans, Gallagher, Heineman, Laine, and Slafkovsky, while Montembeault stopped 20 out of 21 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Canadiens defeated the Red Wings again by a score of 4-3 and the Sabres by a score of 6-1. Montreal has scored 2.91 goals per game and they have allowed 3.55 goals against per game, while also going 22.4% on the power play and 82.4% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with 11 goals, 23 assists, and 66 shots on goal, while Sam Montembeault is 12-13-2 with a 2.85 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage this year. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 13-15-6 this season after they lost to Philadelphia by a score of 5-4 in overtime. Columbus led 2-0 and 4-3 in the third period, but they allowed the tying goal with about two minutes left and lost in overtime. The Blue Jackets were outshot by a total of 30-25, won 52.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Marchenko, Olivier, Pyyhtia, and Christiansen, while Merzlikins stopped 25 out of 30 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Blue Jackets defeated the Devils by a score of 4-2 but did lose the previous five games. Columbus has scored 3.26 goals per game and they have allowed 3.62 goals against per game, while also going 18.7% on the power play and 73.5% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Marchenko has led Columbus with 12 goals, 22 assists, and 96 shots on goal, while Elvis Merzlikins is 10-9-3 with a 3.13 goals-against average and a .889 save percentage this year. 

Why the Canadiens will beat the Blue Jackets

• The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Canadiens have won each of their last three games as underdogs.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last eight Monday games as road underdogs.
• The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in three of their last four games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Blue Jackets’ last five night games against Atlantic Division opponents at Nationwide Arena have gone OVER the total goal line.
• Twelve of the Canadiens’ last 14 road games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone OVER the total goal line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 11 road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last nine games as favorites against the Canadiens.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Blue Jackets’ last eight games as favorites.
• Zach Werenski has scored a goal in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents at Nationwide Arena.
• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 10 games at Nationwide Arena.

Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts

• Emil Heineman has scored a goal in four of the Canadiens’ last five road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Lane Hutson has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last six road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Lane Hutson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last six road games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Montreal Canadiens vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction 

Montreal comes into this matchup looking for their fourth straight win and they have scored 15 goals in those three wins. The Canadiens are 4-9-1 on the road this year, while the Blue Jackets are 9-4-3 at home. Columbus has lost six of their last seven games and they have allowed at least four goals in four of their last five. These two teams are trending in opposite directions and even with Montreal’s road struggles, I like the Canadiens to get the win.