Blue Jackets Face Crucial Test Against Surging Canadiens

Columbus looks to make up ground in playoff race in final road game of the season

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and white.The Blue Jackets and Canadiens clash in a crucial late-season matchup, with both teams fighting for different goals in the standings.Columbus Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets head to Montreal for their final road game of the season, facing a crucial test against the surging Canadiens. Montreal has won 10 of their last 11 games and clinched a playoff spot, led by the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Columbus needs to make up ground in the standings, with key injuries to their lineup. This matchup between the two teams will be an important one as the season winds down.

Why it matters

This game is a crucial one for the Blue Jackets as they try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. A win could help them make up ground in the standings, while a loss would make their path to the postseason even more difficult. The Canadiens have emerged as a surprise contender this season and will provide a tough test for Columbus.

The details

The Blue Jackets will be without several key players, including Zach Aston-Reese, Luca Del Bel Belluz, Mathieu Olivier, Dmitri Voronkov, Jake Christiansen, and Damon Severson. Defenseman Brendan Smith is also out for 3-4 months after knee surgery. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have been led by the stellar play of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and rookie defenseman Lane Hutson. Goaltender Jakub Dobeš has also been a revelation, winning 7 straight starts and allowing 2 goals or less in 8 of his last 11 games.

  • The Blue Jackets and Canadiens have split their previous two meetings this season, with Columbus winning 4-3 in a shootout on November 17 and Montreal taking a 2-1 victory on March 26.
  • The Blue Jackets have lost 5 straight games at Centre Bell over the last 3 seasons.

The players

Nick Suzuki

The Canadiens' captain has set a career high in scoring this season, posting a 28-70-98 line that places him tied for 7th in the league in points and tied for 3rd in assists.

Cole Caufield

The 22-year-old Caufield has had a magical season, placing second in the league with a career-high 50 goals among his 87 points.

Lane Hutson

The reigning Calder Trophy winner is tied for 5th among league defensemen in scoring with 75 points (12 goals, 63 assists).

Zach Werenski

The Blue Jackets defenseman has moved into 4th place in franchise history with 80 points this season, tying him for 3rd among NHL defensemen in goals and 2nd in points.

Jakub Dobeš

The 23-year-old goaltender has been a revelation for the Canadiens, leading the team with 40 starts and posting a 29-8-4 record with a 2.69 GAA and .904 save percentage.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to slow down their top players and get our offense going. It's going to be a tough test, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— Brad Larsen, Blue Jackets Head Coach

“The guys have really bought in and are playing with a lot of confidence right now. We know the Blue Jackets will be desperate, so we have to match their intensity and execute our game plan.”

— Martin St. Louis, Canadiens Head Coach

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to bounce back from this crucial road game as they return home for their final three games of the regular season. The Canadiens will continue their push for a high playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Blue Jackets and Canadiens highlights the challenges facing a team like Columbus that is fighting for its playoff life, as they take on a surging Montreal squad that has emerged as a surprise contender this season. The outcome of this game could have significant implications on the Eastern Conference playoff picture.