Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadians Picks and Prediction for Saturday October 10, 2026
The Detroit Red Wings will cross the border Saturday night for an Original Six matchup against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM, with coverage available on ESPN+. Detroit will look to pick up an important Atlantic Division victory against a Montreal team that has plenty of young offensive talent. The Red Wings will need to establish their offense and limit mistakes against a Canadiens team that can create scoring opportunities quickly. Montreal returns home looking to take advantage of its home crowd and continue building momentum early in the regular season. The Canadiens will attempt to use their speed and offensive ability to challenge Detroit throughout the game. This preview was completed prior to the opening lines being released. Stay up to date with our NHL Picks.
Detroit looks to even up their record
Detroit has had trouble generating consistent offense early in the regular season, averaging 2.33 goals on 31.3 shots per game. Defensively, the Red Wings have allowed 2.67 goals on 24.3 shots per contest, showing more consistency on that end of the ice. Detroit opened the season with two consecutive losses before picking up its first victory against Ottawa. The Red Wings have converted 25% of their power-play opportunities but have struggled on the penalty kill, posting a 61.5% success rate. Alex DeBrincat has been one of Detroit's important offensive contributors, while Lucas Raymond continues to provide scoring opportunities as a playmaker. Dylan Larkin has also returned to the lineup and made an immediate impact offensively.
Detroit picked up its first victory of the season Tuesday night, defeating the Ottawa Senators 5-3 at home. Alex DeBrincat led the Red Wings with two goals and one assist, while Dylan Larkin contributed one goal and one assist in his season debut. Viktor Arvidsson and Justin Faulk each added one goal and one assist, giving Detroit plenty of offensive production throughout the game. Lucas Raymond was outstanding as a facilitator, recording three assists, while John Gibson finished with 22 saves. Detroit had struggled to generate offense during its first two games but broke through against an Ottawa team that had started the season with consecutive victories. The Red Wings will look to build on that performance as their schedule continues.
Montreal tries to defend home ice
Montreal has been productive offensively but has struggled defensively through its first four games, averaging 3.5 goals on 25.8 shots per contest. The Canadiens have allowed 4.75 goals on 27.8 shots per game, contributing to a disappointing 1-2-1 record. Montreal has scored 14 goals this season but has allowed 19, making defensive improvement a priority moving forward. The Canadiens have also struggled on special teams, converting just 7.7% of their power-play opportunities while posting a 70.6% penalty-kill rate. Nick Suzuki continues to play an important role offensively, while Zack Bolduc and Alex Newhook have provided additional scoring. Montreal will need better production from its defensive group to get back in the win column.
Montreal suffered its third consecutive defeat Thursday night, falling 5-2 against the Nashville Predators at the Bell Centre. Nick Suzuki and Alex Newhook scored one goal each as the Canadiens built an early advantage but were unable to hold on. Nashville scored five unanswered goals, including a late power-play goal from Ryan O'Reilly that broke a third-period tie. Jacob Fowler made his season debut in net and finished with 15 saves after being recalled following an injury to Sam Montembeault. Montreal had opportunities to extend its lead but struggled to finish its scoring chances. The loss followed a 6-4 defeat against Carolina and left the Canadiens searching for answers defensively.
Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens Picks and Prediction
Pick: Montreal Canadiens
Montreal should have a good opportunity to pick up a division victory Saturday night when Detroit visits the Bell Centre. The Canadiens have a talented young offensive group that can create problems for opposing defenses and should be able to put pressure on the Red Wings. Detroit will need to remain disciplined defensively and avoid giving Montreal too many opportunities to create scoring chances. The Red Wings have enough offensive talent to make things interesting, but the Canadiens should benefit from playing in front of their home crowd. Montreal will need to protect the puck and take advantage of its opportunities around the net. The Canadiens should be able to establish their offensive rhythm and come away with the victory.
Pick: Over
An entertaining offensive matchup could be on the way Saturday night when Detroit and Montreal meet in an Atlantic Division battle. Both teams have talented players who can create scoring opportunities, and neither side should have trouble generating shots throughout the game. Montreal will look to use its speed to challenge the Detroit defense, while the Red Wings should have opportunities to answer with their own offensive attack. Defensive mistakes could become a factor, especially if either team struggles to clear the puck from its own zone. Special teams could also play an important role if the game features several penalties. Look for both teams to create plenty of scoring chances and produce a game with multiple goals.