NHL: Islanders vs. Canadiens Picks and Odds | March 21, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Tue Mar 24, 2026, 6:00 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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It's getting down to the nitty gritty in the NHL. We have the New York Islanders taking on the Montreal Canadiens tonight at the Bell Centre. These two teams met last month, and the Islanders won 4-3 in overtime.
New York is 39-25-5 this season and just slipped to fourth in the Metro Division. They come into this game off a loss to the Senators on Thursday that took them out of playoff contention. The Islanders are 6-4-0 in their last ten games and 21-14-3 on the road.
That last game was a must win. The Blue Jackets are on fire and leap frogged the Islanders on Thursday. This is another must win game, but the task is definitely much harder than Ottawa. New York will need to bring the top of their game tonight.
They have been up and down on offense this season. The Isles rank twenty second in goals scored and seventeenth in shots on goal per game but are still winning game. On defense, things are much different for this team.
Goaltending is the difference maker here. They rank third best in the league for goals allowed per game. We're expected to see Ilya Sorokin in net tonight. He is 25-16-2 this season with a 2.49 GAA and a .913 save percentage.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Montreal will look to bounce back after loss on Thursday
Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher winds up to rip a shot in front of the Islanders defenseman.
The Canadiens are 37-21-10 this year and third in the Atlantic Division. They come into this game off a loss to the Red Wings on Thursday. Montreal is 5-4-1 in their last ten games and 19-13-2 at home this season.
It's a must win game for the Habs. They are tied for third with both Detroit and Boston with 84 points. Currently, all three are in the playoffs as 84 points is enough for both wild card spots.
It's been a great season for Montreal. They rank fifth in goals scored per game and sixth in power play conversion. The Canadiens don't shoot the puck much per game but have the second-best shooting percentage in the league.
In net, we're expected to see Jakub Dobes. He is 22-8-4 this season with a 2.82 GAA and a .893 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Islanders vs. Canadiens picks.
New York Islanders vs. Montreal Canadiens Betting Odds and Game Information
Islanders vs. Canadiens Betting Odds – March 21
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Islanders | +1.5 (-225) | +115 | Over 5.5 (-135) |
| Montreal Canadiens | -1.5 (+175) | -135 | Under 5.5 (+115) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Islanders vs. Canadiens Game Information
- Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
- Date: Saturday March 21, 2026
- Puck Drop: 7 p.m. EST
- TV: MSGSN, ESPN+
New York Islanders vs. Montreal Canadiens Picks and Prediction
New York Islanders players celebrate together after scoring a goal.
Islanders vs. Canadiens Picks and Predictions: Game Total Over 5.5 Goals (-135) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
We're rooting for goals, goals, goals baby. Last game was a barn burner, and I think we get more of the same. They matched up well last game and although there is solid goaltending, both teams will find the back of the net.
As much as I hate to admit it, but I think the Canadiens win this game. This will put the Islanders even further away from a playoff spot as it's a full slate and their competition is also playing. Montreal will get a break because Boston and Detroit play each other so as long as it ends in regulation, one team will fall behind.
Give me the rookie Matthew Schaefer to get 3 or more shots on goal. He has been on fire hitting in his last two games and last five out of six games. The kid has tallied fifty points this season and he's only 18 years old!
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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