| MATCHUP | New York Islanders | Montreal Canadiens |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 39-25-5 | 37-21-10 |
| Spread | +1.5 -230 | -1.5 190 |
| Moneyline | +110 | -130 |
| Total | Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (114) |
| Where | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | |
| When | Saturday, March 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
New York Islanders Betting Preview
The New York Islanders beat the Maple Leafs and lost to the Senators, and they play the Blue Jackets next. The Islanders have split their last 8 games.
The New York Islanders are averaging 2.87 goals per game and are scoring 16.1 percent of their power play opportunities. Bo Horvat leads New York with 28 goals, Mathew Barzal has 45 assists and Matthew Schaefer has 173 shots on goal. Defensively, the New York Islanders are allowing 2.75 goals per game and are killing 82.3 percent of their opponent’s power plays. David Rittich has allowed 69 goals on 680 shots faced, and Ilya Sorokin has given up 107 goals on 1,236 shots.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens lost to the Red Wings, beat the Bruins, and play the Hurricanes next. The Canadiens have lost 3 of their last 4 games.
The Montreal Canadiens are averaging 3.46 goals per game and are scoring on 24.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Cole Caufield leads Montreal with 40 goals, Lane Hutson has 58 assists and Nick Suzuki has 149 shots on goal. Defensively, the Montreal Canadiens are allowing 3.24 goals per game and are killing 77.1 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jakub Dobes has given up 96 goals on 899 shots faced, and Sam Montembeault has allowed 81 goals on 635 shots.
Why the Montreal Canadiens will win
- The Canadiens have won eight of their last 10 games following a road loss.
- The Canadiens have covered the puck line in six of their last seven games against the Islanders.
- The Islanders have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games following a road loss.
- The Islanders have lost the first period in four of their last five games as underdogs.
Why the New York Islanders will win
- The underdogs have won each of the last five games between the Islanders and Canadiens at Bell Centre.
- The Canadiens have lost three of their last four games as favorites.
- The Islanders have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine games as favorites following a road loss.
- The Islanders have won the second period in each of their last four games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents when trailing after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Islanders’ last four games has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Canadiens’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Islanders’ last 10 games as underdogs.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Canadiens’ last eight games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Cole Caufield has scored at least one goal in five of the Canadiens’ last six home games.
- Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one assist in nine of the Canadiens’ last 11 games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Cole Caufield ranks 2nd in the league for Goals (40) this season.
New York Islanders Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Schaefer has scored at least one goal in four of the Islanders’ last five games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Brayden Schenn has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances at Bell Centre.
- Matthew Schaefer has scored two goals against the Canadiens this season—the most against any opponent.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 26th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (77.10%).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 30th in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.24).
- The New York Islanders rank 7th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.26%).
- The New York Islanders have recorded the most wins when trailing after Period 1 this season (11).
New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction
This should be a fun game between two playoff-caliber teams. The last five games between the Islanders and Habs have seen overtime. Buckle up. With that said, the Islanders are playing the better hockey, and they’ve had some of their best results on the road. The Canadiens have been hit or miss at home this season and they’ve had issues finishing games this week with a defense that’s showing slippage. You’re giving me plus money with the Islanders; I’m going to take it. Give me the Islanders.