New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Odds | 26 Feb 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Islanders vs Canadiens

The New York Islanders meet the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Thursday, February 26.

When the Islanders meet the Canadiens, we’re not expecting the scoreboard to tick over too much. Odds of -133 are available for Under 6.5 goals and that makes appeal.

New York Islanders have won back-to-back games. A 3-1 triumph recently occurred on the road at Prudential Center when playing New Jersey Devils. Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat and Casey Cizikas scored one goal apiece. Goalie Ilya Sorokin had an awesome game, keeping out 23 shots (.958).

Montreal Canadiens have secured two home victories in a row. In their last game, they beat Winnipeg Jets on the road by a 5-1 scoreline at Canada Life Centre. Lane Hutson was among the goalscorers where five different players found the net. Goalie Sam Montembeault had a great game and ended up with 36 saves (.973).

Head-to-Head Statistics

The scoreline was 4-3 in favor of the Islanders when they last played the Habs, with the encounter taking place at UBS Arena. It’s been six Islanders wins in the past 10 games between these teams.

Starting Goalies

Ilya Sorokin (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	29-24-2	2.7	.906	7
23/24	25-19-12	3.01	.908	2

Sam Montembeault (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	10-8-4	3.5	.872	0
23/24	16-15-9	3.14	.903	0

6 wins and 4 losses, averaging 2.8 goals from 26.1 shots on goal, with a 13.2% powerplay efficiency. The Islanders have been giving up 2.8 goals from 26.2 shots, averaging 3.2 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 87.5%.

Mathew Barzal is the top points scorer with 13 points, 6 goals and 7 assists, with Matthew Schaefer recording 7 points, 3 goals and 4 assists, over the past 10 games. Goalie Ilya Sorokin have a 2.30 goal against average with a .920 save percentage, including one shutout.

The Habs have 6 wins, 3 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 4.0 goals from 26.6 shots on goal, with a 25.0% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 3.3 goals from 28.0 shots, averaging 4.0 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 70.0%.

The top points scorer is Nick Suzuki with 15 points, 4 goals and 11 assists, while Cole Caufield is next in line after having 14 points, 11 goals and 3 assists. Goalie Jakub Dobes have a 2.94 GAA with a .897 SV%.

New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Picks

Our New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens betting tips provide expert coverage of all major angles, including our main match prediction, top player prop picks, correct score recommendation and best bet builder insights.

Game Prediction

There’s a strong case to be made for a low number of goals being scored in this NHL game. We’re happy to go for the -133 when it comes to the Unders selection.

Our hockey picks are always well-researched, starting with a combination of the latest NHL team news and current form. Once we’ve got a solid read on the matchup, we layer in the key data to back it up.

Key Islanders vs Canadiens stats:

• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 5 Islanders games on the road.
• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 17 of the last 20 Islanders games on the road.
• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 7 of the last 10 Islanders games on the road.
• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 Canadiens games at home.
• The 6.5 line hasn’t been covered in 3 of the last 5 Canadiens games.

Under 6.5 Probability

Based on the odds from the top NHL sportsbooks, there’s a 57.1% likelihood of our pick delivering a return. Our cappers think there’s a stronger chance of success and calculate the probability to be 60-65%. It’s why we think it’s worth placing this hockey bet.

There’s the option to place a Bet Builder should you want to bet on Under but also combine this with other selections. The big upside is that you can land a bigger return if the wager wins.

Maximize your betting experience. Explore our bonus guide for the best sportsbook promo codes, free bets, and welcome offers.

Our Game Prediction

Under 6.5 Goals @ -133 Bet Now

BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+

Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Feb 25, 23:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 Assists -154

Nick Suzuki (Canadiens) has had at least one assist in 8 of the past 10 games. We’re happy to take him to cover the line at -154, with bettors able to land themselves an attractive price for this to happen.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Islanders 1 - 5 Canadiens

The Canadiens are available to back at +2000 to secure a 5-1 victory. This is a risky but potentially more rewarding bet, with this correct score option providing appeal.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Islanders

Canadiens

1-0

Islanders

+5500

Canadiens

+5000

2-0

Islanders

+5000

Canadiens

+4000

2-1

Islanders

+1500

Canadiens

+1300

3-0

Islanders

+4000

Canadiens

+2800

3-1

Islanders

+2000

Canadiens

+1600

3-2

Islanders

+900

Canadiens

+800

4-0

Islanders

+5500

Canadiens

+3300

4-1

Islanders

+2000

Canadiens

+1300

4-2

Islanders

+1800

Canadiens

+1400

4-3

Islanders

+1100

Canadiens

+1000

5-0

Islanders

+10000

Canadiens

+5500

5-1

Islanders

+3500

Canadiens

+2000

5-2

Islanders

+2200

Canadiens

+1400

5-3

Islanders

+2800

Canadiens

+2000

5-4

Islanders

+2200

Canadiens

+2000

6-0

Islanders

+14000

Canadiens

+8000

6-1

Islanders

+9000

Canadiens

+4500

6-2

Islanders

+4500

Canadiens

+2500

6-3

Islanders

+4000

Canadiens

+2500

6-4

Islanders

+5500

Canadiens

+4500

6-5

Islanders

+5500

Canadiens

+5000

7-0

Islanders

+5500

Canadiens

+12500

7-1

Islanders

+14000

Canadiens

+7500

7-2

Islanders

+11000

Canadiens

+6600

7-3

Islanders

+7500

Canadiens

+5000

7-4

Islanders

+8000

Canadiens

+6000

7-5

Islanders

+12000

Canadiens

+10000

7-6

Islanders

+12500

Canadiens

+12000

8-1

Islanders

+12500

Canadiens

+12500

8-2

Islanders

+12500

Canadiens

+11000

8-3

Islanders

+12500

Canadiens

+12000

8-4

Islanders

+14000

Canadiens

+11000

8-5

Islanders

+14000

Canadiens

+13000

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

For this game, the sportsbooks’ Moneyline betting odds mean Montreal Canadiens are -149 favorites to win and that means a 60% chance of landing a victory. The market suggests that New York Islanders are least likely to win at +125.

The puck line is calculated to be 1.5, while total goals comes in at 6.5. The beauty of Totals is that you only have to choose from one of two options. If you’re wanting to back Over 6.5, the odds are +114.

If you’re planning to wager on a National Hockey League matchup, visit the best sportsbooks and check out the hundreds of team props and game lines. Find the odds and betting lines which are the most attractive.

Moneyline

Islanders

+125

Canadiens

-149

3-Way Moneyline

Islanders

+210

Tie

+320

Canadiens

+102

Puck Line

Islanders +1.5

-208

Canadiens -1.5

+168

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-141

Over 6.5

+114

There is regularly value to be found from wagering on the goalie and player props with the best gambling sites. You can find lots of ways to back for or against a specific player lining up for one of the two teams.

There are lots of exciting NHL micro betting lines that are created and they are available in-game. Among them are next goalscorer, next team to find the net and whether a goal will be scored within the next 10 minutes.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

New York Islanders Stats

Montreal Canadiens Stats

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 2 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 5.90 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 5.60 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 5.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 on the Road: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.90 goals and allowed 3.00 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 2.70 pts and allowed 2.90 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.90 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.50 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 5.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 at Home: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.50 goals and allowed 3.40 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.60 goals and allowed 2.90 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.5
• Shots: 31.7
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 2.8
• Empty Net Goals: 0
• Penalty Minutes: 6.5
• Blocks: 16.3
• Faceoff Wins : 29.3
• Hits: 21.2
• Giveaways: 13.3
• Takeaways: 5.3

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.6
• Shots: 31.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 2.8
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 6.8
• Blocks: 17.4
• Faceoff Wins : 30
• Hits: 21.1
• Giveaways: 13.8
• Takeaways: 4.8

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.6
• Shots: 28.9
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 7.3
• Blocks: 12.9
• Faceoff Wins : 29.8
• Hits: 21.5
• Giveaways: 16
• Takeaways: 4.5

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.3
• Shots: 29.2
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
• Penalties: 3.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.3
• Penalty Minutes: 6.7
• Blocks: 15.5
• Faceoff Wins : 29.9
• Hits: 20.9
• Giveaways: 13.9
• Takeaways: 5

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

Top Ice Hockey Pages