Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction

Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets Game Analysis | 02.04.26 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on February 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg pits two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Montreal Canadiens arrive with a formidable 31-17-8 record, showcasing a strong season performance, while the Winnipeg Jets, at 22-25-8, are battling through a challenging campaign, particularly hampered by a depleted defensive corps.

Montreal Canadiens Team Performance

The Canadiens have established themselves as a legitimate threat, demonstrating a balanced attack and resilient defense. Their recent performance reflects a team capable of consistent scoring and solid goaltending. A key strength lies in their offensive depth and ability to generate high-danger chances, often leveraging a mix of speed and size from players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson. Their power play has been effective, converting opportunities at critical junctures. While their defense has shown occasional lapses, the overall structure and goaltending have been sufficient to secure victories.

Montreal Canadiens Key Players

Points: Nick Suzuki (65)
Goals: Cole Caufield (32)
Assists: Lane Hutson (48)

Injury Report Montreal Canadiens

Patrik Laine (Injured reserve): Laine (abdomen) is practicing Saturday in a non-contact jersey. His return would further bolster an already potent offense.

Winnipeg Jets Team Performance

The Jets have struggled to find consistency this season, with their record reflecting a team grappling with injuries and a reliance on individual brilliance. While they possess top-tier talent, secondary scoring has been a persistent issue. Defensively, they’ve been under immense pressure, exacerbated by significant injuries to key blueliners. This has forced their goaltenders, particularly Connor Hellebuyck, to face a high volume of shots, often compensating for structural breakdowns. Their penalty kill has also shown vulnerability, creating opportunities for opposing teams.

Winnipeg Jets Key Players

Points: Mark Scheifele (67)
Goals: Mark Scheifele (27)
Assists: Mark Scheifele (40)

Injury Report Winnipeg Jets

Neal Pionk (Injured reserve): Pionk (lower body) will practice in a non-contact jersey Friday. His return would be a welcome boost to the defensive unit.
Colin Miller (Injured reserve): Miller underwent knee surgery recently, indicating a long-term absence.
Haydn Fleury (Injured reserve): Head coach Scott Arniel said Wednesday that Fleury (upper body) is considered week-to-week, further depleting the defensive depth.

Prediction: Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets

Considering the Canadiens’ superior record, offensive firepower led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and the significant defensive injuries plaguing the Jets, Montreal enters this contest as the favored team. While the Jets have Mark Scheifele carrying their offense and a world-class goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck, the sheer number of absences on their blueline will likely prove too much to overcome against a disciplined Canadiens squad. The Canadiens’ ability to control possession and exploit defensive gaps should give them the edge. We predict Montreal Canadiens +1.5 (Spread) and the total goals to be under 6.5, given the Jets’ defensive struggles could lead to a tighter, more cautious game, and Hellebuyck’s capability to keep scores low despite the pressure.

Last 5 Games: MTL

Form:

LWWWL

VS @ Minnesota

L 4-3 OT

PTS 31-17-8

GOL Dobes

AST Hutson

VS @ Buffalo

W 4-2

PTS 31-17-7

GOL Dobes

AST Caufield

VS vs Colorado

W 7-3

PTS 30-17-7

GOL Dobes

AST Suzuki

VS vs Vegas

W 3-2 OT

PTS 29-17-7

GOL Dobes

AST Dobes

VS @ Boston

L 4-3

PTS 28-17-7

GOL Montembeault

AST Caufield

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ Minnesota	L 4-3 OT	31-17-8	Dobes	Hutson
@ Buffalo	W 4-2	31-17-7	Dobes	Caufield
vs Colorado	W 7-3	30-17-7	Dobes	Suzuki
vs Vegas	W 3-2 OT	29-17-7	Dobes	Dobes
@ Boston	L 4-3	28-17-7	Montembeault	Caufield

Last 5 Games: WPG

Form:

LWLWL

VS @ Dallas

L 4-3 OT

PTS 22-25-8

GOL Hellebuyck

AST Perfetti

VS @ Florida

W 2-1

PTS 22-25-7

GOL Comrie

AST Comrie

VS @ Tampa Bay

L 4-1

PTS 21-25-7

GOL Hellebuyck

AST Hellebuyck

VS @ New Jersey

W 4-3

PTS 21-24-7

GOL Hellebuyck

AST Vilardi

VS vs Detroit

L 5-1

PTS 20-24-7

GOL Hellebuyck

AST Koepke

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ Dallas	L 4-3 OT	22-25-8	Hellebuyck	Perfetti
@ Florida	W 2-1	22-25-7	Comrie	Comrie
@ Tampa Bay	L 4-1	21-25-7	Hellebuyck	Hellebuyck
@ New Jersey	W 4-3	21-24-7	Hellebuyck	Vilardi
vs Detroit	L 5-1	20-24-7	Hellebuyck	Koepke

Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction | NHL 02.04.26