NHL Predictions: April 3 Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Boston Bruins taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.

NHL Predictions

Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens

Head-to-Head: Bruins 2-0 Canadiens

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: Sportsnet; NESN; ESPN+

We open up this edition of NHL predictions with the our featured game between the old rivals. Boston is expected to go with Jeremy Swayman in net for this game. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Bruins have actually scored six goals in each of the two wins against the Canadiens. However, the lineup looks a lot different for Boston. David Pastrnak leads the team in goals (37), assists (51) and points (88) so far this season.

Sam Montembeault is slated to get the start for Montreal, which is 4-3-3 in the last 10 games. The Habs have also won the last two games entering this matchup. This could be a huge chance to get two critical points in the chase for its first Stanley Cup Playoff spot since 2021. Cole Caufield leads the team in goals with 34 this campaign.

Boston has lost nine in a row and played spoil. However, Montreal seems to be on a mission.

Prediction: Canadiens win 5-2.

Colorado Avalanche vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Head-to-Head: Avalanche 0-1 Blue Jackets

Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: Altitude; Fan Duel Sports Ohio; ESPN+

We have another important game as the Colorado Avalanche take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Avs are expected to go with Mackenzie Blackwood in the blue paint for this game. Colorado is 7-2-1 in the last 10 and fighting for home ice in the first round. Cale Makar has produced five goals and seven assists over the past 10 games.

The Blue Jackets are likely to start Elvis Merzlikins in between the pipes for this game. Columbus is 3-6-1 in the last 10, but did get a massive win last time out. Kirill Marchenko has put up 31 goals and 39 assists for the Blue Jackets. The Russian got a hat trick last time out.

Both teams need points for different reasons, but Columbus gets the win after Colorado played the night before.

Prediction: Blue Jackets win 4-3.

Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights

Head-to-Head: Jets 0-2 Golden Knights

Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: TSN3; Scripps Vegas; ESPN+

Our last game of NHL prediction is a possible Western Conference Final preview between the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights. Winnipeg is expected to start Connor Hellebuyck in goal for this game. The Jets are 7-3 in the last 10 games, but did lose in their last game. Cole Perfetti has generated four goals and five assists over the past 10 games.

Vegas is expected to go with Adin Hill in net for this important game. The Golden Knights are 7-2-1 in the last 10 games. However, they are also coming off a defeat prior to this game. Team captain Mark Stone has provided 19 goals and 47 assists for Vegas.

We could be in for a treat in this one, but Vegas gets the season-sweep in this one.

Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2.

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our props. For Boston, go with Morgan Geekie to get an assist in this game. On the Montreal side, take Lane Hutson to get the over on 0.5 power-play points.

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