Predators vs. Canadiens prediction: Why Montreal is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [10/8/2026]

Using trusted machine learning and statistical analysis, we have re-simulated the outcome of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Predators and Canadiens, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model currently gives the Canadiens a 58.7% chance of beating the Predators. According to our model, the Predators (+1.5) have a 63.3% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 54.2% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have sourced the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Puck Line: Predators +1.5 (-175) / Canadiens -1.5 (+152)
• Moneyline: Predators +140, Canadiens -154
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+105/-125)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Predators +1.5 @ -175 via BetMGM
• Moneyline: Predators @ +140 via BetRivers
• Total: Under 6.5 @ -125 via DraftKings

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Predators +1.5 at the spread.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Predators vs. Canadiens player props

Who will score a goal in Predators vs. Canadiens?

According to our model, Cole Caufield is most likely to score an anytime goal in Predators vs. Canadiens.

Our projections give Caufield a 47.1% chance of scoring a goal at Bell Centre, while the star is a 10.3% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Nashville Predators

• Steven Stamkos: 37.4% probability
• Filip Forsberg: 35.9% probability
• Ryan O'Reilly: 23.9% probability
• Matthew Wood: 22.2% probability
• Mavrik Bourque: 21.4% probability

Montreal Canadiens

• Cole Caufield: 47.1% probability
• Nick Suzuki: 33.8% probability
• Juraj Slafkovsky: 29.1% probability
• Chris Kreider: 25.8% probability
• Alex Newhook: 21.5% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Nashville Predators

• Steven Stamkos: 7.3% probability
• Filip Forsberg: 7.0% probability
• Matthew Wood: 4.3% probability
• Ryan O'Reilly: 4.1% probability
• Mavrik Bourque: 3.7% probability

Montreal Canadiens

• Cole Caufield: 10.3% probability
• Nick Suzuki: 6.7% probability
• Juraj Slafkovsky: 6.0% probability
• Chris Kreider: 5.2% probability
• Alex Newhook: 4.1% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Thursday's action between the Canadiens and Predators at Bell Centre is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Nashville Predators vs. Montreal Canadiens
• Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: Bell Centre

Conclusion

We predict the Canadiens, with a 58.7% win probability, will likely beat the Predators in Thursday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.