The Montreal Canadiens hold a slight historical advantage over the Columbus Blue Jackets, with a record of 20 wins, 18 losses, one tie, and two overtime losses in 41 encounters. While both teams compete in the Eastern Conference, they have never met in the playoffs, partly due to the Blue Jackets' limited postseason success. Currently, the Canadiens are on a five-game winning streak against Columbus, with their latest match resulting in a 3-0 win on March 12, 2024, highlighted by Cayden Primeau's shutout. A recent trade saw Patrik Laine join the Blue Jackets, but he will miss the upcoming game against his former team due to injury. The match could be crucial as both teams look to enhance their standings ahead of next year's draft.

By the Numbers
  • Canadiens' all-time record against Blue Jackets: 20-18-1-2.
  • Current winning streak for Canadiens: 5 games.
  • Most lopsided win in series history: Canadiens 8, Blue Jackets 2 on March 25, 2023.
  • Cayden Primeau's shutout: 41 saves on March 12, 2024.
Yes, But

The effectiveness of the recent trade between the Blue Jackets and Canadiens remains uncertain, as Patrik Laine’s presence hasn’t yet impacted Montreal, while Jordan Harris has struggled in Columbus. With neither team demonstrating strong playoff prowess, the true winner of this trade might not be clear for some time.

State of Play
  • The Canadiens are seeking to maintain momentum in their current winning streak.
  • The Blue Jackets' struggle continues as they aim for improvement amidst injuries.
  • Both teams are in contention for a top pick in the upcoming draft.
What's Next

Expectations for the Canadiens include leveraging this winning streak to bolster their season performance. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets must recover and re-strategize as they face ongoing challenges and injuries. Future encounters could determine draft positions for both teams.

Bottom Line

The Canadiens currently dominate the matchup with a significant winning streak, highlighting their ability to capitalize on the Blue Jackets' struggles. The outcome of their recent trade may influence both teams’ fortunes in the long run, making their next meetings critical as the draft approaches.