Montreal vs Nashville Prediction 8 October 2026
🔊 Montreal continue their homestand after a disappointing season opener at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens managed to put four past Carolina, but it wasn’t enough-as three unanswered goals from the opposition after the first intermission completely turned the game around. Nashville also arrive on the back of a defeat, having squandered their lead during their last outing. The Predators were ahead in Toronto, but ultimately came away with just a single point.
Two wins for Montreal
📊 Last season, these teams faced off twice, with Montreal coming out on top both times. At the Bell Centre, the Canadiens needed overtime-Cole Caufield scored twice, sealing a 3-2 win for the hosts. The rematch in Nashville was more decisive: Montreal cruised to a 4-1 victory, with Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, and Alex Newhook each tallying two points. The aggregate score over the two games stood at 7-3 in favor of the Canadiens.
Head-to-head statistics Montreal - Nashville
There are goals, but no calm yet
Montreal have kicked off the season with plenty of goals, but their last two outings failed to yield any points. First, the Canadiens fell to Pittsburgh in a high-scoring shootout (5-6), then conceded another six goals against Carolina. Over those two games, Martin St. Louis’ side found the net nine times themselves, so their struggles certainly aren’t down to a lack of firepower. Now, Montreal are set for their second straight home game, and after a disappointing Bell Centre opener, there’s been little time to address those defensive lapses.
Against Carolina, the hosts started brightly, jumping out to a 3-2 lead after the first period. Zachary Bolduc struck twice-including a power-play goal-while Nick Suzuki also got on the scoresheet. But things unraveled after the break: the Canadiens allowed three unanswered goals and didn’t get back on the board until the 57th minute, when Juraj Slafkovsky pulled one back. In the dying minutes, Montreal pulled their goalie, only to concede an empty-netter and fall 4-6. Jakub Dobes finished with 28 saves in the loss.
Match Results: Montreal Canadiens
They squandered a three-goal lead.
Nashville are still searching for consistency after three games. The Predators fell to Minnesota (1-3), bounced back with a win over Dallas (2-1), and picked up a single point from their first road trip of the season, losing to Toronto in overtime. Steven Stamkos was particularly impressive in that contest, scoring twice-his first goal marked his 626th in the NHL, moving him into sole possession of 17th place on the league’s all-time list. Roman Josi extended his point streak to three games to start the season, Ryan O’Reilly reached the 900-point milestone in his career, and Filip Forsberg notched his 400th career assist ahead of the trip to Montreal.
The game against Toronto was a tale of two halves for Nashville. The Predators raced out to a 2-0 lead, then made it 3-0, and Stamkos restored a two-goal cushion in the second period (4-2). But they couldn’t hold on: Toronto drew level in the third, and Auston Matthews netted the game-winner with less than 15 seconds left in overtime. Juuse Saros made a crucial save even during a three-on-none breakaway, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. There’s also been a change in the goaltending department: Justus Annunen has been placed on injured reserve, prompting a call-up for Matt Murray from Milwaukee.
Match Results: Nashville Predators
Prediction for the 1st period
Montreal have scored at least once in the first period in 14 of their last 16 NHL games. Here, it makes sense to back the Canadiens’ individual total over 0.5 goals in the first period.
Total Prediction
Nashville have failed to score more than three goals in each of their last five away head-to-head games against Montreal. Our pick: Predators individual total under 3.5 goals.
Outcome Prediction
Montreal have failed to win in regulation time in nine of their last ten NHL home games. With that in mind, the pick here is Nashville double chance in regulation (X2).
⭐️ Editor’s Prediction
Montreal’s recent games have been high-scoring affairs, but history tells a different story when these two sides meet. The last six head-to-head clashes have all finished under 6.5 goals. The trend is even more pronounced in Montreal: 12 of the past 14 matchups between the Canadiens and the Predators on this ice have stayed below that mark. Head-to-head stats are the key factor here. My pick is under 6.5 goals.
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Betting Tips: Montreal Canadiens - Nashville Predators
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