Canadiens vs Islanders Prediction, Picks & NHL Odds

The Montreal Canadiens look to get back into the win column after dropping two straight, and my Canadiens vs. Islanders predictions for tonight believe that's highly possible. 

The New York Islanders bring a 1-3 straight-up record into this tilt, and there's a particular area in which they struggle my NHL picks see Cole Caufield taking full advantage of on Saturday, October 19.

Canadiens vs Islanders prediction

My Canadiens pick
Cole Caufield Over 3.5 shots on goal (-110 at BET99)

My Canadiens analysis
There's been a good variety of goalscorers for the Montreal Canadiens this season, although fans are likely wishing for more volume in that department overall. Cole Caufield is currently pacing the club with four goals through five Games, and he's doing so while putting rubber on net on a consistent basis. I'll back Caufield to get to four shots on goal vs. the New York Islanders tonight.

Caufield has a team-high 17 shots on goal this year, picking up where he left off last season when he dwarfed runner-up Mike Matheson for the team lead in shots on goal, 314 to 187. There was no meaningful fall off when Caufield took his show on the road, generating 149 shots as a visitor vs. 165 at Bell Centre.

The Islanders enter this one a decent 15th in shots allowed per game this year at 29.3, but their blueline was riddled with holes a year ago, serving up the fourth-most shots in the league (32.8) on a nightly basis. New York's 11.5 shots allowed per game to wingers is among the higher marks in the NHL as well.

The Habs are dealing with a couple of key injuries, with winger Juraj Slafkovsky and defenseman Matheson both considered game-time decisions. If either or both of them can't go, that just means Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis will have to lean on Caufield that much harder.

Canadiens vs Islanders same-game parlay (SGP)

I'll stay with Caufield for my SGP play and target Over 0.5 points for him in the NHL player props as well. Caufield leads Montreal in points this year with five, or one per game, and was second to team captain Nick Suzuki last year. 

Finally, I'll take the Canadiens at a generous price on the moneyline to pull off the upset. Backup Cayden Primeau will tend the goal, and while his season debut was a Game to forget, he was serviceable last season. Primeau put up a 2.99 GAA and .910 SV% over 23 Games in 2023-24 with two shutouts. 

Isles goalie Semyon Varlamov is one of the better backups in the league, but the Habs will be happy to avoid Ilya Sorokin.

Learn how to bet a same-Game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Canadiens vs Islanders odds

Canadiens vs Islanders live odds

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Canadiens vs Islanders opening odds

• Puck line: Montreal +1.5 | New York -1.5
• Moneyline: Montreal +170 | New York -210
• Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6

Canadiens vs Islanders trend

The Islanders have only hit the moneyline in 39 of their last 89 games (-16.10 Units / -14% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Islanders.

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