The NHL is set up with another great slate of action throughout April 13. Three games are up on the board throughout Wednesday night. One of these games will be between the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets. These two teams have been struggling throughout this season and will look for a big win in this one. This game will drop the puck at around 7:00 PM Eastern time.
Montreal has earned a record of 20-42-11 throughout the season, which has them sitting in last place of the Atlantic division. The Canadiens have lost two straight games and six of their last eight. Montreal has fallen far out the playoff picture, but will look to play spoiler down the stretch. I expect the Canadiens to come out fast in this one.
The Blue Jackets have put up a record of 34-33-6 so far this season, which has them in sixth place of the Metropolitan division. Columbus is coming off a win in their last game, but have lost eight of their last ten. The Blue Jackets have been all but eliminated, but will look to finish strong. I expect Columbus to come out quickly on Wednesday.
The Canadiens have struggled all season long, while Columbus has hit a wall as of late. Both teams will look to get going quickly in this one. If either team can come out fast on Wednesday night, it could be enough to grab the two points.
Game Overview
| Teams | Spread | Money Line | Total |
| Montreal Canadiens | +1 ½ (-165) | +155 | Over 6 ½ (-105) |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | -1 ½ (+140) | -180 | Under 6 ½ (-115) |
|
Rank
|
Betting Site
|
Bonus | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Bovada
|
50% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| 2 | 
BetUS
|
125% up to $2,500 | Go to Site |
| 3 | 
MyBookie
|
100% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| 4 | 
Everygame
|
100% up to $500 | Go to Site |
| 5 | 
BetOnline
|
50% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| Team Data | Montreal Canadiens | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Overall Record | 20-42-11 | 34-33-6 |
| Away/ Home Record | 10-21-7 | 18-15-4 |
| Goals Per Game | 2.59 | 3.16 |
| Goals Per Game Away/ Home | 2.63 | 3.32 |
| Save Percentage | .891 | .896 |
| Save Percentage Away/ Home | .892 | .896 |
Betting Trends
These two teams have met up twice throughout the season. Montreal hosted the first game on January 30. Patrik Laine had two goals, while Cole Sillinger had a goal and an assist as Columbus won 6-3. The second game on the season stayed in Montreal. Laine had a goal and an assist, while Elvis Merzlikins had 30 saves on 31 shots as the Blue Jackets won 2-1.
First and last stop in Columbus this season. @SkipTheDishes game preview ⤵️ https://t.co/UGgy1I1Jx3
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 13, 2022
Special Teams
The Canadiens have struggled on special teams throughout the season. Montreal has scored on 30 of their 224 power play chances, which is a 13.4 percent power play. The Canadiens have killed off 184 of their opponents 246 power play attempts, which is a 74.8 percent kill rate. Montreal is 31st on the power play and 28th on the kill.
These two teams have struggled on special teams this season, but Montreal has been better on both sides. Montreal will look for their special teams to step up early on the road though. Both teams will look to get the power play going against struggling penalty kills. If either team can get a power play goal, it could be enough for the win.
Goaltending Comparison
Sam Montembeault will likely get the start in the crease for Montreal in this one. Montembeault has started in 26 games this season, going 7-15-6 in those matchups. He has posted a .896 save percentage and a GAA of 3.59 in those starts. Montembeault’s last start was against the Winnipeg Jets. He stopped 31 of 34 shots in the loss.
I expect Elvis Merzlikins to get the nod between the pipes for the Blue Jackets on Wednesday night. Merzlikins has earned a record of 24-19-6 throughout his 49 starts on the season. He has put up a save percentage of .904 and a 3.40 GAA. Merzlikins finished with 34 saves on 38 shots in his last start against the Detroit Red Wings, which was enough for the win.
These two goalies have been solid throughout this season and will look for a big win in this one. Montembeault has struggled a bit and has lost four straight starts. Merzlikins has won two of his last three starts and will look for a win in this one. If either goalie can come out fast, it could be enough for the win on Wednesday.
Pick Overview
These two teams have been struggling throughout this season and will look for a big win in this one. The Blue Jackets won the first two games against Montreal on the season series. I think that the Canadiens can bounce back in this one though. Montreal is on a bit of a losing streak, but I think they can bounce back in this one.
Bovada has Columbus listed as a -180 against the money line in this one. This implies that the Blue Jackets will win this game around 64.3 percent of the time. I think that this line should be closer to even with both teams struggling as of late. Montreal has picked up their play a bit late in the season. As underdogs in this one, I like the value on the Canadiens.
