Betting tips from AI for Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montréal Canadiens, 18 November 2025.

Market check first: Columbus is priced at 1.77, Montréal at 2.17, and the Draw at 4.55. Those translate to rough implied probabilities of about 56.5% for the Blue Jackets, 46.1% for the Canadiens, and 21.9% for a tie at 60 minutes (before accounting for the bookmaker’s margin). In a three-way NHL market, that’s a meaningful tax, so we want to be selective and hunt for the side that’s mispriced relative to likely lineups and matchup dynamics.

Columbus comes in 9-7-1, but the injury sheet matters. Boone Jenner (IR, upper body) is expected out until at least Nov 20, removing their top two-way center, preferred matchup piece, and a key net-front on the power play. Erik Gudbranson (IR, hip) is also out until at least Nov 22, trimming size and penalty-kill experience from a blue line that already leans on minutes from its top pair. The morning-skate notes on Dmitri Voronkov, Miles Wood, and Dante Fabbro suggest lingering illness/injury management; even if they play, sub-100% forwards can sap forecheck consistency and bottom-six reliability. Kent Johnson’s return does help Columbus’ skill depth, but it doesn’t fully offset Jenner’s all-situations value.

Montréal, by contrast, projects close to full strength with no fresh major absences flagged. That continuity should show up in cleaner breakouts and a steadier five-on-five rhythm. The Canadiens’ speed through the neutral zone can pressure Columbus’ second and third pairs, especially without Gudbranson’s reach to kill cycles and box out. Faceoffs tilt slightly toward Montréal with Jenner sidelined; more defensive-zone time for the Jackets’ depth centers is a hidden tax that can accumulate across three periods.

Special teams lean subtly Montréal too. Columbus’ power play loses some net-front bite without Jenner, and their penalty kill is less rangy without Gudbranson. If the whistle rate is average, that’s a few percentage points of swing across the full 60. Goaltending is the high-variance equalizer here, but with both teams reasonably capable in net, the value question still comes back to skater availability and matchup edges.

Price-wise, the Draw at 4.55 roughly matches league OT rates, maybe a hair of value—but our single $1 wager is better allocated to the underdog with a clear lineup advantage. If we set Montréal’s true regulation win probability near 49–50% given Columbus’ absences and potential illness cloud, then at 2.17 the expected value is positive (0.49 × 1.17 − 0.51 × 1 ≈ +0.06). That’s the kind of margin we want to press.

Recommendation: Take Montréal to win in regulation at 2.17. If late news rules out any of Voronkov/Wood (or limits them), this number likely shortens; grabbing plus money now is the sharper play.

The betting market has installed the Columbus Blue Jackets as slight favorites on home ice, with odds around 1.77. However, a deeper dive into the team news reveals a significant discrepancy between the odds and the on-ice reality, presenting a prime value opportunity on the visiting Montréal Canadiens.

The primary factor driving this prediction is the injury situation plaguing the Blue Jackets. They will be without two crucial veterans in center Boone Jenner and defenseman Erik Gudbranson. Jenner's absence cannot be overstated; as a team leader and top-six center, he handles key faceoffs, plays on both special teams units, and provides a gritty, two-way game that is difficult to replace. Gudbranson's loss on the blue line removes a physical presence and a key penalty killer, weakening their defensive structure. These are not minor losses; they are foundational pieces being removed from the lineup.

Compounding these confirmed absences is the uncertainty surrounding forwards Dmitri Voronkov, Miles Wood, and Dante Fabbro, who are all dealing with illness. Even if they play, they may not be at 100%. If they sit, Columbus's forward depth takes another massive hit. While the recent return of Kent Johnson from injury adds a welcome touch of skill, it's not enough to compensate for the significant losses in leadership, defensive responsibility, and overall grit.

In stark contrast, the Montréal Canadiens enter this contest with a clean bill of health. Reports indicate they will ice their full lineup of regular starters, with no significant new injuries to worry about. This stability is a massive advantage. A healthy team maintains its line chemistry and defensive pairings, allowing them to execute their game plan with more cohesion and confidence against a disrupted opponent. The Canadiens are catching the Blue Jackets at the perfect time.

From a betting perspective, this makes the Canadiens at 2.17 an exceptional value bet. The market appears to be overvaluing Columbus's home-ice advantage and their decent 9-7-1 record, while failing to properly price in the severe impact of their current personnel issues. A healthy, cohesive Canadiens squad on the road against a depleted Blue Jackets team should arguably be the favorite. Taking the plus-money odds on Montréal is the logical and profitable play here.

This NHL matchup presents an intriguing betting opportunity with Columbus favored at 1.77 despite facing some notable roster challenges. The Blue Jackets are dealing with significant injuries to key players, including defenseman Erik Gudbranson (hip injury, out until at least November 22) and center Boone Jenner (upper body injury, out until November 20). These absences create meaningful gaps in Columbus's lineup, particularly affecting their defensive structure and center depth.

The injury concerns extend beyond the confirmed absences, as forwards Dmitri Voronkov, Miles Wood, and Dante Fabbro were dealing with illness and injury issues, though they participated in the optional morning skate. This uncertainty around final lineup decisions adds another layer of concern for the home team's preparation and chemistry.

On the positive side for Columbus, Kent Johnson's recent return from injury does provide some offensive depth, and their 9-7-1 record shows they've been competitive this season. However, the cumulative effect of missing multiple regular contributors cannot be overlooked in a sport where line chemistry and defensive pairings are crucial.

Montréal enters this contest with a significant advantage in terms of roster health. Their projected lineup includes all regular starters with no major recent injuries reported, giving them full access to their intended systems and player combinations. This health advantage becomes even more valuable when facing a depleted opponent.

The betting value appears to lie with the Canadiens at 2.17. While Columbus holds home ice advantage, the roster disruptions and potential lineup uncertainties create enough doubt to make the underdog price attractive. Montreal's ability to ice their preferred lineup against a compromised Columbus team suggests the odds may be undervaluing the visitors' chances in this spot.

The upcoming NHL clash between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montréal Canadiens on November 18, 2025, promises to be an intriguing matchup, especially with the injury woes plaguing the home team. As a sports betting enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for value, and this game screams opportunity due to the odds and team conditions.

First off, let's break down the odds from the bookmaker: the Blue Jackets are favored at 1.77, the Canadiens are the underdogs at 2.17, and a draw sits at 4.55. These American odds suggest Columbus is expected to win, but I think the market might be undervaluing Montréal's chances here.

Diving into the recent news, the Blue Jackets are dealing with significant setbacks. Defenseman Erik Gudbranson is sidelined with a hip injury until at least November 22, and center Boone Jenner is out with an upper body issue until November 20. That's two key players missing, which could disrupt their defensive structure and forward lines. Additionally, forwards Dmitri Voronkov and Miles Wood, along with defenseman Dante Fabbro, have been battling illnesses and injuries but did join the optional morning skate—though their status remains uncertain. On a positive note, Kent Johnson has returned from injury, adding some depth, and the team's overall record stands at 9-7-1, showing they're competitive. However, without Gudbranson and Jenner, their ability to control the game might be compromised, especially against a healthier opponent.

Contrast that with the Montréal Canadiens, who are rolling into this game with a projected lineup that's essentially at full strength. No major injuries have been reported in the last few days, meaning stars like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and their defensive core should all be available. This stability gives them a clear edge in terms of consistency and endurance over the full 60 minutes. While the Canadiens have had their ups and downs this season, facing a banged-up Blue Jackets squad on the road could be the perfect spot for an upset.

From a betting perspective, I'm eyeing the value on the Canadiens at 2.17. The implied probability has Columbus winning about 56.5% of the time, but with their injuries, I peg their true chances lower, maybe around 50-52%. That makes Montréal's line attractive for a potential payout. If the game stays tight and goes to overtime, the draw at 4.55 is tempting, but I lean towards an outright Canadiens win given their healthier roster.

Historically, NHL games often hinge on special teams and goaltending. Columbus might struggle on the penalty kill without Gudbranson, while Montréal's power play could exploit that weakness. Plus, playing at home doesn't always guarantee success for the Blue Jackets—they've shown vulnerability in recent outings.

In summary, while the Blue Jackets have talent and a solid record, the injuries tip the scales in favor of the Canadiens. If you're betting $1 like in our scenario, putting it on Montréal could yield a nice profit of about $1.17 if they pull it off. Keep an eye on those final lineup confirmations, but based on the news, this feels like a smart underdog play to maximize returns.

The NHL clash between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montréal Canadiens on November 18, 2025, offers a prime betting opportunity influenced heavily by recent injury reports. Columbus, playing at home, holds a respectable 9-7-1 record, but key absences could severely impact their performance. Defenseman Erik Gudbranson and center Boone Jenner are both on injured reserve, weakening their defensive stability and offensive depth. While Kent Johnson's return adds some reinforcement, uncertainties around other players like Voronkov, Wood, and Fabbro due to illness further cloud their lineup reliability.

In stark contrast, the Montréal Canadiens enter this game with no significant injury concerns, fielding a full-strength roster. This consistency allows them to maintain tactical cohesion and exploit Columbus's vulnerabilities. With all regular starters available, Montréal can apply sustained pressure, capitalizing on the Blue Jackets' depleted defense and potential lineup disruptions.

When evaluating the bookmaker odds, Columbus is listed at 1.77, implying a win probability of approximately 56%, but this seems overvalued given their injury woes. Montréal at 2.17 suggests a 46% chance, yet their health advantage and opponent's setbacks likely make their true probability higher, presenting clear value. The draw at 4.55 is less attractive, as NHL games typically produce a winner, especially with one team at a disadvantage.

Considering these factors, betting on the Montréal Canadiens aligns with maximizing profitability. Their roster stability and Columbus's key injuries create a mismatch that the odds do not fully account for, making this a shrewd wager for enthusiasts seeking returns.

The matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montréal Canadiens on November 18, 2025, presents an intriguing betting opportunity, especially given the recent injury updates and team dynamics. The Blue Jackets enter this game with a record of 9-7-1, which suggests they are competitive but not dominant in the NHL standings. However, their lineup is significantly weakened due to key absences. Defenseman Erik Gudbranson and center Boone Jenner are both on injured reserve, with return dates set beyond this game. Gudbranson’s absence leaves a void on the blue line, particularly in defensive zone coverage and penalty killing. Jenner, a versatile forward who contributes both offensively and defensively, will also be missed. While Kent Johnson’s return provides some relief, it doesn’t fully compensate for these losses. Additionally, the status of forwards Dmitri Voronkov, Miles Wood, and Dante Fabbro remains uncertain as they deal with illness and injuries. This instability could disrupt the cohesion of Columbus’ forward lines and special teams.
On the other hand, the Montréal Canadiens appear to be in better shape heading into this contest. With no major injuries reported and their full roster available, they can field their strongest lineup. This consistency gives them an edge in preparation and execution. Moreover, the Canadiens have historically performed well against Eastern Conference opponents, including the Blue Jackets. Their ability to capitalize on scoring chances and maintain defensive discipline often proves decisive in tightly contested games. Given that Columbus is dealing with multiple injuries and potential lineup changes, Montréal’s depth and stability could tilt the scales in their favor.
From a betting perspective, the odds reflect the perceived strengths of each team. The Blue Jackets are listed as slight favorites at 1.77, indicating that bettors need to wager $130 to win $100. Meanwhile, the Canadiens carry underdog odds of 2.17, meaning a $100 bet would yield $117 in profit if successful. These numbers suggest that oddsmakers view this as a closely matched game, albeit with a slight lean toward Columbus. The draw option, priced at 4.55, offers significant value but is less likely in a fast-paced sport like ice hockey where ties are rare after regulation and overtime."The Canadiens' favorable odds make them an attractive choice for bettors seeking value. Despite being the underdog, their healthy roster and consistent performance give them a realistic chance to upset the Blue Jackets. Furthermore, Columbus’ defensive vulnerabilities without Gudbranson could lead to higher-quality scoring opportunities for Montréal’s top lines. Goaltending will also play a crucial role; if the Canadiens’ netminder outperforms his counterpart, it could swing momentum decisively in their favor."In conclusion, while the Blue Jackets hold home-ice advantage and have shown flashes of promise this season, their current injury woes diminish their chances of securing a victory. The Canadiens, bolstered by a complete lineup and solid overall form, represent the smarter wager in this scenario. Betting on Montréal at 2.17 provides excellent value and aligns with the underlying factors influencing the outcome of this game.