Backing the Nashville Predators as underdogs is my Predators vs. Canadiens prediction for their game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Thursday, Oct. 8.
The underlying numbers are awful for Montreal, which is the No. 1 reason my top NHL picks call for the Nashville upset tonight.
TOP PICK
Predators vs Canadiens prediction: Predators moneyline
This game should be much closer to a pick’em, so I’m happy to side with the Nashville Predators up to 44%.
The Montreal Canadiens are 29th in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5, and it’s particularly concerning that the Habs are eighth in goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 despite ranking 27th in xGF/60 because of a 14.6 team shooting percentage.
Montreal isn’t going to maintain that shooting efficiency, and Nashville starter Juuse Saros has been solid to start the season with a .907 save percentage and 2.0 goals saved above expected through three starts.
Of course, the Canadiens have their own goaltending problems with the fifth-lowest SV% in the league, so I’m happy to back Nashville as a long underdog given how poorly Montreal has played to start the year.
COVERS INTEL: The Canadiens have converted 18.2% of their high-danger scoring chances into goals after recording an 8.8% mark last season. 
Predators vs Canadiens combo
The Predators blew a 3-0 lead in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, and as highlighted, the Canadiens have been anything but a defensive juggernaut. I expect Montreal to tighten up defensively in front of starter Jacob Fowler tonight, while Saros rebounds in net for Nashville to do his part in keeping this total Under the number.
Preds star Filip Forsberg has collected three assists through three games to start the season and has been on the ice for a healthy 4.83 goals per 60 minutes. Add the veteran skating on the No. 1 power-play unit to his rock-solid 3.18 points per 60 over the past three seasons, and Forsberg’s positioned to hit the scoresheet again tonight.
Predators vs Canadiens combo
- Predators moneyline
- Under 6.5
- Filip Forsberg 1+ points
Predators vs Canadiens player prop: Matthew Wood 1+ points
Nashville center Matthew Wood is set for success skating with Forsberg at 5-on-5 and on the No. 1 power-play unit. Additionally, while Wood has been limited to a single assist through three games, he and Forsberg have been on the ice for a high-end 5.38 goals and 5.07 expected goals per 60 minutes.
Predators vs Canadiens goal scorer: Matthew Wood
Sticking with the young Nashville center, Wood has also been incredibly dangerous to start the year with 1.17 expected goals and seven individual high-danger scoring chances.
So, with Montreal allowing the second-most expected goals per 60 minutes and five goals to opposing centers through three games, I recommend Wood to score up to 25%.
- Top picks: 15-7, +9.46 units
- Combos: 2-6, +0.92 units
Predators vs Canadiens odds
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- Moneyline: Predators 40% | Canadiens 61%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (48%) | Under 6.5 (54%)
- Spread: Predators +1.5 (63%) | Canadiens -1.5 (39%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Predators vs Canadiens trend
The Predators have cashed the Under in 14 of their last 20 games for +7.80 units and a 35% ROI. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Predators vs Canadiens
| Location | Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec |
| Date | Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | SCRIPPS, TSN2 |
Predators vs Canadiens latest injuries
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