Islanders vs Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

Our NHL betting picks are calling for Nick Suzuki to pick up where he left off before the Olympics and tally another assist.

Luc LeBlanc - Betting Editor at Covers.com
Luc LeBlanc • Content Editor
Feb 26, 2026 • 09:54 ET • 3 min read

NHL

Match starts: 7 hrs
NYI
33 %
MON
67 %
EXPERT PICK - PROP
Nick Suzuki o0.5  Assists (-155) Nick Suzuki o0.5 Assists (-155)
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Montreal Canadiens NHL Nick Suzuki
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) skates with the puck.

The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders finally resume their respective seasons as they meet on Thursday, February 26, at Bell Centre. This marks the first meeting of 2025-26 between these two Eastern Conference teams.

My Islanders vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks suggest that Nick Suzuki will continue his torrid offensive pace after a solid showing in Milan with Team Canada, while Noah Dobson makes his mark in his first game against his former club.

Islanders vs Canadiens prediction

Islanders vs Canadiens best bet: Nick Suzuki 1+ assists (-155)

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki scored the biggest goal of his career in Milan, so it's easy to forget that assists account for 73% of his point total this season.

He ranks 11th in the NHL in helpers, and had 11 in his last 10 games before the break.

Suzuki's racked up a helper in nearly every game against a Top-10 defense since January 1, including the Stars, Wild (twice), and top-ranked Avalanche.

He's eighth in assists since January 4. The 26-year-old won't miss a beat and should still lance through a solid New York Islanders defense.

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Islanders vs Canadiens same-game parlay

For the first time in his career, Noah Dobson will suit up against the Islanders. 

He's riding a five-game point streak (one goal, seven points) and is on pace for his second-best offensive season.

The last 10 meetings between these teams have an average of 5.6 goals per game. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes entered the break winning eight of his last 10 starts and hasn't lost in regulation since December 9.

He and Ilya Sorokin should limit the scoring tonight.

Islanders vs Canadiens SGP

  • Nick Suzuki 1+ assists
  • Noah Dobson 1+ points
  • Under 6.5

Islanders vs Canadiens odds

  • Moneyline: Islanders +125 | Canadiens -145
  • Puck Line: Islanders +1.5 (-190) | Canadiens -1.5 (+160)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)

Islanders vs Canadiens trend

Each of the last four meetings between Montreal and New York has required extra time. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Islanders vs Canadiens

Location Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Date Thursday, February 26, 2026
Puck drop 7:00 p.m. ET
TV MSGSN, TSN2

Islanders vs Canadiens 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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Luc LeBlanc
Content Editor

Luc has been passionate about sports since he was a child, playing competitive hockey and staying closely tuned to professional leagues. Today, he brings that same energy to his work as a Content Editor, covering NHL games, player props, and betting trends with a sharp, analytical eye.

Since 2023, Luc has been writing picks and analysis for various publications, helping readers discover value in several major sports. While hockey is his specialty, he also closely follows tennis, keeping up with both the ATP and WTA Tours.

A graduate of Saint Mary’s University (BSc, Geography, 2025), Luc approaches sports betting the way he approaches maps and statistics by looking for patterns, trends, and angles that give him an edge. He focuses on research-backed and well-informed picks, spotting correlations, and finding the best opportunities in player props and game markets.

When he’s not making data-driven betting decisions or breaking down NHL matchups, you’ll find Luc on the ice, hitting the tennis courts, or engaging in some other form of exercise — staying connected to the sports he loves.

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