| MATCHUP | Nashville Predators | Montreal Canadiens |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-1-1 | 1-1-1 |
| Spread | +1.5 -170 | -1.5 142 |
| Moneyline | +150 | -180 |
| Total | Over 6.5 (105) | Under 6.5 (-125) |
| Where | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC | |
| When | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
In this article we will formulate a Predators vs Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, October 8th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Nashville Predators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators are 1-1-1 this year after they lost to the Maple Leafs in overtime by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Nashville led 3-0 in the second period, but they blew the lead and ended up losing with 14 seconds left in overtime. The Predators were out shot by a total of 37-25, won 35.8% of the face-offs, and went 1-1 on the power play in the game. Nashville was led by Nils Hoglander, who had two goals, while Juuse Saros stopped 32 out of 37 shots, which was an .865 save percentage in the loss.
Prior to that game, Nashville defeated the Stars by a score of 2-1, but did lose to the Wild by a score of 3-1 before that. The Predators have scored 2.33 goals per game and they have allowed 3.00 goals against per game, while also going 37.5% on the power play and 75.0% on the penalty kill this season. Steven Stamkos has led the team with three goals and one assist, while Juuse Saros is 1-1-1 with a 2.95 goals against average and a .907 save percentage this year.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens are 1-1-1 this season after they lost to the Hurricanes by a score of 6-4 last time out. Montreal led 3-2 after the first period, but they allowed four of the last five goals for the loss. The Canadiens were out shot by a total of 34-20, won 45.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-6 on the power play in the game. Montreal was led by Zack Bolduc, who had two goals, while Jakub Dobes stopped 28 out of 33 shots, which was an .848 save percentage in the loss.
Prior to that game, Montreal lost to the Penguins by a score of 6-5, but did beat the Maple Leafs by a score of 3-2 before that. The Canadiens have scored 4.00 goals per game and they have allowed 4.67 goals against per game, while also going 10.0% on the power play and 75.0% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led the team with two goals and four assists, while Jakub Dobes is 1-1-1 with a 4.44 goals against average and an .857 save percentage this season.
Why the Montreal Canadiens will win
- The Predators have lost each of their last four road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have won six of their last seven games against the Predators.
- The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last four night games against Central Division opponents.
- The Predators have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five night games at Bell Centre.
- The Canadiens have won the second period in each of their last four night games against Central Division opponents.
Why the Nashville Predators will win
- The Canadiens have lost seven of their last eight games at Bell Centre.
- The Predators have won each of their last four night games after coming off overtime.
- The Predators have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as road underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The road team has won the second period in each of the last three games between the Predators and Canadiens.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Canadiens’ last six night games against the Predators following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Predators’ last five road games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last eight games following a loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Predators’ last eight games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Cole Caufield has scored at least one goal in each of the Canadiens’ last three games against the Predators.
- Lane Hutson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last five games as home favorites.
- Cole Caufield ranks T3rd in the league for multi-goal game (1) this season.
Nashville Predators Player Prop Facts
- Steven Stamkos has scored a goal in five of his last six appearances with his team as an underdog against the Canadiens.
- Roman Josi has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances in night games.
- Brady Skjei has scored eight career goals against the Canadiens – equal-most against any opponent (including playoffs).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Montreal Canadiens rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank T1st in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (1.67).
- The Nashville Predators rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
- The Nashville Predators are one of only two teams to lose multiple games when leading by 2 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
Predators vs Canadiens Prediction
Montreal comes into this matchup on a two game losing streak and they have allowed six goals in each of those games. The Canadiens are 0-1-0 at home this year, while the Predators are 0-0-1 on the road. Nashville has the same record as Montreal, but they have played a very difficult schedule so far. I think both teams will commit to defensive improvement in this one, so I like the under here.