Rangers vs Canadiens Prediction 10/18/2025 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Rangers vs Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, October 18th at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

New York Rangers Betting Preview

The New York Rangers are 2-3-1 this year after they lost to Toronto in overtime by a score of 2-1 in their last game. New York tied the game at one early in the third period, but they lost just 58 seconds into overtime. The Rangers out shot Toronto by a total of 29-24, won 52.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. New York got their lone goal from Parssinen, while Rempe led the team with six hits. The Rangers started Shesterkin, who stopped 22 out of 24 shots, which was a .917 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, the Rangers lost to Edmonton by a score of 2-0 and Washington by a score of 1-0. New York has lost three games in a row and they are currently fifth in the Metro Division with five points. The Rangers have scored 1.83 goals per game and they have allowed 1.50 goals against per game, while also going 11.8% on the power play and 91.7% on the penalty kill this season. Adam Fox has led New York with three goals and one assist, while Sam Carrick and JT Miller both have three points. The projected starting goalie for New York is Igor Shesterkin, who is 2-2-1 with a 1.00 goal against average and a .962 save percentage this year. 

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Montreal Canadiens are 4-1-0 this season after they defeated Nashville in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Montreal trailed 2-1 in the third period, but they scored with 20 seconds left and won late in overtime. The Canadiens out shot Nashville by a total of 30-19, won 44.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Kapanen and Caufield (2), while Bolduc led the way with three hits. The Canadiens started Dobes, who stopped 17 out of 19 shots in the game, which was an .895 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, the Canadiens defeated Seattle by a score of 5-4 and Chicago by a score of 3-2. Montreal has won four games in a row and they are currently tied for first in the Atlantic Division. The Canadiens have scored 3.60 goals per game and they have allowed 2.80 goals against per game, while also going 15% on the power play and 75% on the penalty kill this season. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki have led Montreal with seven points each, while four players are tied with four points. The projected starting goalie for Montreal is Sam Montembeault, who is 2-1-0 with a 2.98 goals against average and an .870 save percentage this season. 

Why the Montreal Canadiens will win

The Canadiens have won each of their last six home games against opponents on a losing streak.
The Rangers have lost seven of their last nine road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
The Canadiens have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight night games against the Rangers following a home win.
The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four night games at Bell Centre.
The Rangers have lost the second period in four of their last five games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents when tied after the first period.

Why the New York Rangers will win

The Rangers have won each of their last four night games against opponents on a winning streak.
The Canadiens have lost three of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
The Rangers have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine games as home favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
The Canadiens have lost the second period in each of their last four games at Bell Centre when leading after the first period.

Total Goals Facts

Each of the Canadiens’ last seven games following an overtime win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
Six of the Rangers’ last seven games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last nine games at Bell Centre.
The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in three of the Rangers’ last four road games against the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts

Lane Hutson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last six home games.
Nick Suzuki has scored a goal in eight of the Canadiens’ last nine games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
Cole Caufield has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last seven games at Bell Centre.

New York Rangers Player Prop Facts

Juuso Parssinen has scored a goal in three of his last four appearances with the Rangers as underdogs.
Artemi Panarin has recorded at least one point in each of his last 12 appearances against the Canadiens.
Artemi Panarin has recorded at least one assist in each of his last nine appearances at Bell Centre.

Rangers vs Canadiens Prediction 

Montreal comes into this matchup looking for their fifth straight victory, but the last two did come in overtime. The Canadiens are 2-0-0 at home this year, while the Rangers are 2-0-1 on the road. New York has played elite defense to start the season, but they have scored a total of one goal in their last three games. I can’t trust this New York offense to score, so I like the under in this matchup.