Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens

Analysis

Columbus is walking into a nightmare scenario here. Montreal has been absolutely dominant with nine wins in their last ten games, scoring over three goals per contest while surrendering just 1.7. The Canadiens are firing on all cylinders at home where they've been rock solid all season. The Blue Jackets injury list reads like a casualty report. Marchenko's 28 goals are missing tonight, Severson is done for the year, and they're stitched together with AHL call-ups. Without their top scorer, an offense that was already anemic at 1.6 goals per game becomes completely toothless. Columbus limps in at 2-7-1 in their last ten, and that previous meeting in March tells you everything—Montreal controlled that game for a 2-1 win, and they've only gotten better since while the Jackets have deteriorated further. Some might point to desperation as a motivator for Columbus chasing a playoff spot, but desperation doesn't score goals when your best players are in street clothes. The market is giving the Blue Jackets far too much respect just for showing up. I'd back Montreal without hesitation—this has all the makings of a one-sided affair where the home team's superior form and health simply overwhelm a depleted opponent.