The New York Rangers (13-10-3) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (11-12-4) at Nationwide Arena Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rangers-Blue Jackets odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Rangers at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies
Alexandar Georgiev vs. Joonas Korpisalo
Georgiev is confirmed to start and has a 6-4-1 record with a 3.07 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. Georgiev overcame two rough outings to post a 33-save, 4-0 shutout at the New Jersey Devils Saturday.
Korpisalo has a 11-9-1 record with a 2.84 GAA and a .902 SV%. The Columbus goaltender is confirmed in net and will try to rebound from Tuesday’s 4-2 home loss to the Arizona Coyotes. He has stopped 53 of his previous 58 shots faced.
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Rangers at Blue Jackets: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Rangers 3, Blue Jackets 2
Moneyline (ML)
The RANGERS (+115) are an intriguing pick because they arguably play better on the road at times than at home as illustrated by their performance on Saturday in New Jersey. The underdog has won the last three games played in Nationwide Arena. With Artemi Panarin in town for the first time since signing in New York, he and the Rangers should be ready. Back New York with a modest bet.
A $10 bet with New York results in an $11.50 profit with an outright win for the Rangers.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Blue Jackets are just 13-14 ATS while the Rangers are third best in the NHL at 17-9. However, the Rangers are the underdogs here so (+1.5, -239) does not look all that appealing. AVOID.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 5.5 (+115) is worth a minimal bet. The Under has connected in seven of the last eight games involving the Rangers. Also, both teams are averaging well under three goals a game in their last five – New York at 2.6 and Columbus at 2.0).
Placing a $10 bet here will earn a $11.50 profit with a total of five or fewer goals scored.
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