On Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens play host to a reeling Columbus Blue Jackets team that's dropped six of its last seven games.
My Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens predictions see one of Montreal’s top young players, Juraj Slafkovsky, making noise offensively against a team that’s really struggled to keep the puck out of the net.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Saturday, November 16.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets prediction
My Canadiens pick
Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points (-135 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
Juraj Slafkovsky put together a very productive second half for the Montreal Canadiens last season and has picked up where he left off to start this year.
Home success is nothing new for Slafkovsky. Dating back to the latter portion of the 2023/24 campaign, Slafkovsky has points in eight of his last 10 and 15 of his past 20 in Montreal. Zooming out even further, he owns a 67% hit rate over his last 30 on home soil. Very impressive outputs.
Slafkovsky has a strong chance of building on that production against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’ve really cooled off following a solid start due to their inability to keep the puck out of the net.
With Slafkovsky skating on the top line and the No. 1 power-play unit against a team bleeding goals and starting a backup, he's in a prime spot to hit the scoresheet.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets same-game parlay (SGP)
Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points
Juraj Slafkovsky Over 1.5 shots
Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 points
Slafkovsky has done most of his damage by way of assists this season, but I think this is a spot where he can generate some shot volume as well.
Columbus’ defensive metrics are heading south in a hurry, and they’re in the latter half of a back-to-back against a rested Habs team. The Blue Jackets are most vulnerable giving up shots to wingers, as only six teams have conceded more over the past 10 games.
Slafkovsky is playing with ideal linemates for shot generation as well. Slafkovsky’s shot rate is higher with Kirby Dach on his line than any other players he’s played with regularly. Slafkovsky’s linemates, Dach and Nick Suzuki, also combine to average just 4.0 shots per game.
Somebody has to shoot the puck for the line and I think Slafkovsky will be the guy to do it.
Assuming Slafkovsky picks up a point, Suzuki is a good bet to be involved. They play together on the top line and No. 1 power-play unit so their success is highly correlated. If either player records a point (or two), there’s a good chance the other is involved.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Blue Jackets odds
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets live odds
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal -130 | Columbus +115
- Moneyline: Montreal -1.5 (+184) | Columbus +1.5 (-212)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Odds courtesy of BET99.
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets trend
Juraj Slafkovsky has points in four of his past five games against the Blue Jackets. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Blue Jackets.
How to watch Canadiens vs Blue Jackets
| Location: | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC |
| Date: | Saturday, 11-16-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CITY, Sportsnet East |
Canadiens vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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