The set-up: I think home ice will prove to be the difference between these two evenly matched sides. The Habs are 26-22, while the Blue Jackets are 28-18. Montreal comes in off a 5-1 home win over Florida, while Columbus enters off a 4-1 home victory over the Devils. The Canadiens have won three in a row, but they haven't been at their best on the road this year, averaging 2.92 goals and allowing 3.08. Also note that Montreal comes in ranked 31st in the league in power play conversions at just 12.9%. Columbus will look to take advantage and to build off its own four-game win streak. The Blue Jackets are 14-10 at home, averaging 3.50 goals and allowing 3.04 in those contests.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Columbus is 7-2 in its last nine home games following a four games or more unbeaten streak and posted as a favorite in the -135 to -155 range, while Montreal is still a poor 14-42 in its last 56 vs. teams with winning records. I think the writing is on the wall and a letdown is in the cards for the visitors. Lay this reasonable price.

Columbus 8*