Columbus Blue Jackets Defeat Montreal Canadiens 5-2

In an impressive display, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on April 11, 2026. This win allowed the Blue Jackets to take the series against the Canadiens 2-1, showcasing their ability to perform in crucial moments. Columbus entered the game with a recent record of 40-28-12, while Montreal boasted a strong home record of 47-23-10.

The Canadiens have been in excellent form at home, winning 9 of their last 10 games, with an average of 3.1 goals scored and only 1.8 allowed during this stretch. Their last two home games resulted in victories, including a 2-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning just two days prior to this matchup. In contrast, the Blue Jackets struggled recently, recording only 2 wins in their last 10 games, averaging 1.7 goals scored and 3.2 goals allowed. Their most recent game ended in a 5-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, highlighting their difficulties on the road.

In the first period of the game, Boone Jenner opened the scoring for Columbus with a backhand goal, followed by Charlie Coyle extending the lead to 2-0. Josh Anderson managed to put Montreal on the board, scoring a goal to make it 2-1. However, the Blue Jackets quickly regained control, with Kirill Marchenko and Sean Monahan scoring in the second period to increase the lead to 4-1. The Canadiens attempted a comeback in the third period with a goal from Cole Caufield, but Coyle's second goal of the night sealed the victory for Columbus at 5-2.

The injury situation for both teams played a role in the game. The Blue Jackets were without goaltender Elvis Merzlikins due to a shoulder injury and Isac Lundestrom, who was out with an Achilles injury. The Canadiens did not report any significant injuries that would impact their lineup.

In terms of betting, DraftKings had the Canadiens favored at -130 with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 6.5. The odds for the over were 105.0, while the under was priced at -125. The game was played under typical hockey conditions, with both teams looking to capitalize on their respective strengths.

Fans watching the game were treated to a display of offensive skill, particularly from the Blue Jackets, who managed to convert their chances effectively. Columbus’s ability to score on the power play and maintain defensive pressure proved crucial in their victory. The Canadiens, while showing flashes of offensive potential, struggled to keep pace with the Blue Jackets’ scoring prowess throughout the match.