Betting tips from AI for Ottawa Senators vs Montréal Canadiens, 18 January 2026.

Ottawa roll into this Battle of Ontario with real momentum — an 8-4 drubbing of the Rangers followed by a gritty 2-1 shutout of Vancouver. The Senators get the crowd at Canadian Tire Centre and have the form and depth to control play at 5-on-5.

Montréal remains streaky: a 6-2 statement win vs Florida sandwiched around a 4-0 shutout loss to Detroit. Sharps are leaning Ottawa, and with bookmakers listing Ottawa at 1.80, Montréal at 2.11 and draw at 4.20, the Sens look like the cleaner, lower-variance play for a $1 moneyline bet.

The Ottawa Senators are absolutely firing on all cylinders, rolling into this Battle of Ontario clash with undeniable momentum. Fresh off an 8-4 thrashing of the Rangers and a gritty 2-1 shutout against Vancouver, they've demonstrated both offensive firepower and defensive solidity. In stark contrast, the Montréal Canadiens remain a puzzle, capable of stunning victories like their 6-2 win over Florida, but also prone to getting blanked as seen in their 4-0 loss to Detroit.

Betting sharps are heavily backing Ottawa, piling on the Senators at 1.74, seeing a clear 30% edge and 20% value as home favorites against the Canadiens at 2.19. With the bookmaker offering the Senators at 1.80, this presents even better value than what the pros are already scooping up. The buzz at Canadian Tire Centre, coupled with Ottawa's red-hot form and the sharps' confidence, makes the Senators the clear play here.

The Ottawa Senators bring tremendous momentum into this Canadian rivalry clash, riding high after consecutive impressive victories including an 8-4 dismantling of the Rangers and a defensive masterclass against Vancouver. Their home ice advantage at Canadian Tire Centre should prove significant against a Jekyll-and-Hyde Canadiens squad that's struggled with consistency.

Montreal's recent performances tell the tale of a team searching for identity - capable of brilliance one night (6-2 over Florida) and completely flat the next (shutout by Detroit). This volatility makes them a risky bet, especially as road underdogs.

The betting market strongly favors Ottawa at 1.80, with sharp money showing a substantial 30% edge on the Senators. When professional bettors show this level of confidence in the home favorite, it's wise to follow their lead. The 2.11 line on Montreal appears tempting but doesn't reflect their road struggles against in-form teams like Ottawa.

The Battle of Ontario is set to ignite the Canadian Tire Centre as the Ottawa Senators host the Montréal Canadiens in a classic NHL rivalry clash. Ottawa is riding high after back-to-back statement wins: an explosive 8-4 rout of the Rangers followed by a resilient 2-1 shutout against Vancouver. This momentum has the Senators looking sharp at home, where they're favored at 1.80.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens are a tale of two teams—stunning Florida with a 6-2 victory but then getting shut out 4-0 by Detroit. Their inconsistency could prove costly against Ottawa's fired-up squad. Betting sharps are heavily on the Senators at 1.74, spotting a 30% edge and solid 20% value as home favorites versus Montréal at 2.11.

Oddsmakers see this as a high-scoring affair with Ottawa pegged at 1.79 to win, and the buzz around this ESPN+ matchup screams Senators dominance. For a $1 bet, the Senators moneyline offers the best path to profitability in this heated rivalry.

The Ottawa Senators are red-hot, rolling off consecutive wins including an 8-4 demolition of the Rangers. Their home ice advantage and current form make them formidable opponents.

Montréal Canadiens show flashes but lack consistency, with a 6-2 stunner followed by a 4-0 shutout loss. This unpredictability undermines their chances in a heated rivalry.

Betting sharps see value in Ottawa at 1.80, with news indicating a 30% edge. Oddsmakers favor the Senators, making them the smart pick for a profitable bet.

The Ottawa Senators are riding high into this NHL matchup, bringing momentum from two dominant performances. Their 8-4 dismantling of the Rangers showcased their offensive firepower, while the gritty 2-1 win over Vancouver highlighted their defensive resilience. Facing a Montréal Canadiens team that has been inconsistent at best, the Senators appear to be in the driver’s seat. The Habs’ recent results—a thrilling 6-2 victory over Florida followed by a deflating 4-0 loss to Detroit—paint a picture of a team struggling to find consistency.
Betting sharps have taken notice, heavily backing the Senators at 1.74, signaling confidence in their ability to capitalize on home ice advantage. While the odds for Ottawa at 1.80 don’t offer massive value, they align with the narrative of a team peaking at the right time. The Canadiens, listed at 2.11, could tempt bettors looking for an underdog play, but their erratic form makes them a risky proposition. The draw option at 4.20 is less appealing given the likelihood of an up-tempo, high-scoring affair.
With Canadian Tire Centre set to be electric for this rivalry clash, expect the Senators to feed off the energy and continue their strong run of form. Their balanced attack and solid goaltending give them the edge in what should be an entertaining contest.