Tonight's matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers will tell the tale of two extremes in a busy Eastern Conference. The Canadiens are scorching hot, winners of six straight, while the Rangers are the only team in the East eliminated from playoff contention.
My Canadiens vs. Rangers predictions and NHL picks lean into this sobering reality for the Rangers, as Cole Caufield & Co. will look to gain some ground with the Atlantic Division crown very much in sight on Thursday, April 2.
Canadiens vs Rangers prediction
Canadiens vs Rangers best bet: Cole Caufield anytime goal (+130)
Death, taxes, and Cole Caufield finding the back of the net.
The diminutive winger has scored more than anyone in 2026, notching an astounding 26 goals in his last 26 games. He's scored in three straight and has seven in his last six.
Tonight, he faces a lowly New York Rangers squad that ranks near the bottom in effectively all defensive metrics.
He's just three goals shy of the illustrious half-century mark — a feat that has eluded all Montreal Canadiens players for over 35 years.
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Canadiens vs Rangers same-game parlay
On the topic of red-hot Habs players, look no further than Juraj Slafkovsky.
The 2022 No. 1 pick has been playing at a 40-goal, 92-point pace for exactly half of the season, and has served as the perfect complement to Caufield and Nick Suzuki on the team's top line.
He's racked up 13 assists in 17 games since his show-stopping Olympic performance, and has nine in his last 10. Yet, somehow, a Slaf assist is set at plus-odds.
Overshadowed amidst the influx of career seasons in Montreal is Mike Matheson. His 24:17 average ice time per game leads the team (18th in the NHL), and he's on pace for the second-best offensive totals of his career.
The Quebec native has blocked two or more shots in six of his last seven games.
Canadiens vs Rangers SGP
- Cole Caufield anytime goal
- Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 assists
- Mike Matheson Over 1.5 blocked shots
Canadiens vs Rangers odds
- Moneyline: Canadiens -150 | Rangers +130
- Puck Line: Canadiens -1.5 (+160) | Rangers +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Canadiens vs Rangers trend
The Over has hit in nine consecutive meetings between these teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Rangers.
How to watch Canadiens vs Rangers
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Thursday, April 2, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN2 |
Canadiens vs Rangers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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