Columbus Blue Jackets betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Carolina Hurricanes at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Carolina Hurricanes at Columbus Blue Jackets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Carolina Hurricanes (52-22-7) and Columbus Blue Jackets (26-43-12) meet Tuesday at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Blue Jackets odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Hurricanes lead 3-0

The Hurricanes sit with 111 points, tied for the 2nd-most points in the NHL. However, Carolina will fall short of the Metropolitan Division title, as the New York Rangers secured that and the President’s Trophy with a win Monday night. The Canes are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Metropolitan Division, and they’ll face the New York Islanders in the 1st round of the playoffs.

The Blue Jackets had a dismal season, producing just a conference-low 64 points, which is 11 worse than the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference. It was the 4th-lowest point total in the NHL, too.

Columbus has dropped 4 in a row, including shutout losses at Carolina April 7 and at Florida April 11.

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Hurricanes at Blue Jackets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Blue Jackets +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+150) | Blue Jackets +1.5 (-185)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Hurricanes at Blue Jackets projected goalies

Spencer Martin (7-8-2, 3.14 GAA, .896 SV%) vs. Jet Greaves (2-6-0, 3.55 GAA, .906 SV%)

Martin, the former Blue Jackets backstop, is expected to get the nod for the Hurricanes now that the division title is off the table and Carolina is locked into the 2nd spot in the Metro, as there is no sense risking Frederik Andersen or Pyotr Kochetkov in what is essentially a meaningless game.

Greaves was pounded for 6 runs on 37 shots in a 6-4 loss in Nashville last time out Saturday. He is getting a long look down the stretch, and lately he hasn’t fared tremendously well. Greaves has lost 3 straight starts, allowing 4 or more goals in those outings.

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Hurricanes at Blue Jackets picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline

The Hurricanes (-160) will be a lot less motivated to get the job done Tuesday, with a division title no longer on the table. However, Carolina should still be able to generate plenty of offense against the very giving Greaves of the Blue Jackets (+135)

PASS, and look to the puck line instead.

Puck line/Against the spread

The BLUE JACKETS +1.5 (-185) are worth backing lightly if you’d like a little insurance at Nationwide Arena, rather than backing the moderate favorites straight up. Columbus is not a good team, but the Hurricanes -1.5 (+150) might have a little less wind in their sails after losing out on the division title while likely using a 3rd-string tendy.

Over/Under

OVER 6 (-105) might be the best play here, as we have a 3rd-string goaltender going for the visitors, while the home side uses Greaves, who has been peppered for 14 goals across the past 3 starts, all losses.

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Philadelphia Flyers at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Philadelphia Flyers at Columbus Blue odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Philadelphia Flyers visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday to open the NHL season. Puck drop from Nationwide Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Flyers vs. Blue Jackets odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Philadelphia finished 31-38-13 with 75 total points to land 7th in the Metropolitan Division. It was coach John Tortorella’s 1st season with the team after coaching the Columbus Blue Jackets. Philadelphia’s main problem last year was scoring with just 222 goals to rank 29th of 32 teams.

Columbus ended last season with a dismal 25-48-9 record, with 59 points, good for 8th in the Metropolitan Division. The Blue Jackets, led by coach Brad Larsen in his 2nd year, struggled across the board last season with 214 goals for (30th of 32) and 330 goals against (31st of 32).

Both teams look to get on a better path this season and it starts Thursday night.

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Flyers at Blue Jackets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:01 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Flyers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Blue Jackets -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Flyers +1.5 (-225) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Flyers at Blue Jackets projected goalies

Carter Hart (22-23-10, 2.94, 90.7%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (7-18-2, 4.23, 87.6%, 2022-2023)

Drafted in the 2nd round in 2016, the Alberta-born Flyers keeper has an 84-84-26 career record. The 25-year-old was a bright spot of the struggling Phily team last season with a near .500 record while allowing less than 3 goals per game.

Merzlikins is coming off a troubled season dealing with injuries. With a 7-18-2 record last year, his career record (55-62-22) dropped below .500. His 87.6 save percentage was the worst of his career while his 4.23 average goals allowed were more than a full goal difference compared to his previous career worst.

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Flyers at Blue Jackets picks and predictions

Prediction

Flyers 4, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline

BET FLYERS +100.

Both teams have missed the playoffs for 3 straight years and neither team made a dramatic offseason push to get much better. In the battle of goaltenders, Philly has the advantage and even playing on the road to open the season, we should see that play out. The Flyers have had success over the Jackets in recent years and that will be no different on Thursday.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is far more money to be made on a Flyers victory than there is on the Flyers spread of 1.5. While Merzlinkins has a lot to prove in this opening game and the Philly attack will hound him, taking the Philly moneyline is much more profitable.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6.5 (-115).

Neither team has an All-Star caliber goalie which will create problems for each side’s defense. The Jackets ended last year as the 31st-worst defense for goals allowed while the Flyers were not too far behind ranking 22nd in that category. Expect a fast-paced game with the energy of opening night that will result in an offensive affair.

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Florida Panthers at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Florida Panther at Columbus Blue Jackets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Florida Panthers (38-31-7) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (23-43-8) Saturday. Puck drop from Nationwide Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Blue Jackets odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Florida won 5-2 on the road vs. the Montreal Canadiens as -200 favorites Thursday. LW Matthew Tkachuk paved the way for the win with 3 goals and 1 assist. The other 2 goals for the Panthers came from C Anton Lundell. Florida has now won back-to-back games after losing 4 straight.

Columbus lost 2-1 in OT as +340 road underdogs vs. the Boston Bruins on Thursday. That loss marked the 3rd in a row for Columbus, who now sits in last in the Metropolitan Division.

The season series is tied 1-1 heading into this final regular-season matchup. Columbus won a 5-3 battle at home with Florida winning 4-0 in the 2nd meeting.

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Panthers at Blue Jackets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:27 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Panthers -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Blue Jackets +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -1.5 (+110) | Blue Jackets +1.5 (-130)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -145 | U: +115)

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Panthers at Blue Jackets projected goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-3, 3.07 GAA, .901 SV%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (7-18-2, 4.23 GAA, .876 SV%)

In Bobrovsky’s 12 career games vs. Columbus he has a 9-2-1 record with a 2.49 GAA and .924 SV%. In road games this season he is 10-11-1 with a 3.27 GAA and .892 SV%.

In Merzlikins’ 10 career outings vs. Florida he has struggled, with a 3-6-1 record, 3.58 GAA, and .893 SV%. In home games this season Merzlikins is 4-8-0 with a 4.34 GAA and .873 SV%.

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Panthers at Blue Jackets picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 5, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline

AVOID.

The Panthers (-210) should be able to come away with the win in this game as they are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings. The line here is slightly too rich for my blood and the risk is worth the reward.

Puck line/Against the spread

LEAN PANTHERS -1.5 (+110).

Only 1 of the last 10 meetings between these teams was within 1.5 goals. The Panthers have dominated the Blue Jackets in those meetings, winning 8 of the last 10. Bet on the Panthers winning by a very decent margin.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6.5 (-145).

The Over is both 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Columbus and 6-1 in the last 7 meetings overall. For the Blue Jackets the Over is 6-1 in their last 7 overall and 4-1 in their last 5 vs. the Atlantic Division. For the Panthers the Over is 3-0-1 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (21-41-7) wrap up a 5-game road trip Tuesday against the Washington Capitals (33-31-7). Puck drop from Capital One Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Capitals odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blue Jackets were blasted last time out against the Vegas Golden Knights, falling 7-2 at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday. The Blue Jackets have lost 3 in a row, and have managed just 3 of 16 available points in the last 8 games, going 1-6-1 during the skid.

The Capitals were tripped up 5-3 on the road against the Minnesota Wild last time out on Sunday, and it has dropped 3 of the last 4 games overall.

Washington is still in the mix for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but it is currently tied for 10th with 73 points, 6 points out of the final wild-card spot with just 11 regular-season games remaining.

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Blue Jackets at Capitals odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:26 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Capitals -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-115) | Capitals -1.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Blue Jackets at Capitals projected goalies

Daniil Tarasov (3-11-1, 3.77 GAA, .896 SV%) vs. Charlie Lindgren (13-9-2, 2.87 GAA, .902 SV%)

Tarasov coughed up 5 goals on 29 shots in 2 periods in Vegas on Sunday before giving way to Michael Hutchinson for the 3rd period. He has been disastrous in 3 March starts, going 1-2-0 with a 6.22 GAA and .841 SV%.

Lindgren was dinged for 5 goals on 40 shots in Minnesota on Sunday. He is doing the heavy lifting with Darcy Kuemper battling an upper-body injury, and the veteran tendy is questionable for Tuesday. To make matters worse, C Evgeny Kuznetsov is also dealing with a UBI after leaving Sunday’s game, so whomever is in the crease will likely have less offensive support.

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Blue Jackets at Capitals picks and predictions

Prediction

Capitals 5, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline

The Capitals (-240) will cost nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return if you just want to play the heavy favorites straight up. That’s not a great long-term betting strategy.

AVOID, and look to the puck line instead.

Puck line/Against the spread

The CAPITALS -1.5 (-105) are better value at near even-money.

The Blue Jackets +1.5 (-115) are just 13-39 in the last 52 road games, while cashing in just 15 of the last 51 tries against the Metropolitan Division.

For the Caps, there is significant risk. While it is 4-0 in the last 4 games against the Jackets, Washington has covered the puck line in just 1 of the last 9 games as a favorite. Go lightly.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-110) is the lean.

The Over has cashed in 5 straight outings for the Capitals, while going 5-1 in the past 6 against Eastern Conference teams.

The Over has cashed in 6 of the last 7 games overall for the Blue Jackets, while cashing in 6 of the last 7 games on the road, too.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings odds and lines, with hockey expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (21-38-7) make the 2nd stop of a 5-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings (39-20-9) on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Kings odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blue Jackets kicked off the road trip with an exciting 6-5 victory in overtime against the San Jose Sharks. While Columbus allowed 4-plus goals for the 5th consecutive game, the 6 goals tied a season high, accomplished 3 other times. One of those times was a 6-5 OTW against the Kings on Dec. 11 in the 1st meeting in Columbus.

The Kings picked up a 5-2 home win against the New York Islanders on Monday, and Los Angeles has now rattled off 6 wins in its last 7 outings. The offense has been alive, too, averaging 4.0 goals per game (GPG) across the 7-games.

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Blue Jackets at Kings odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets +235 (bet $100 to win $235) | Kings -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (+100) | Kings -1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Blue Jackets at Kings projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (7-12-2, 4.10 GAA, .880 SV%) vs. Pheonix Copley (20-4-3, 2.69 GAA, .902 SV%, 1 SO)

Merzlikins came on in relief on March 7 in his most recent appearance, stopping all 7 shots he faced. He has been away from the team in Latvia due to a family issue, but he is expected to return. If he can’t get back in time, either Daniil Tarasov (3-9-1, 3.40 GAA, .903 SV%) or Michael Hutchinson (0-1-1, 4.36 GAA, .873 SV%) would get the starting nod.

Copley is expected to start, as coach Todd McLellan wants to keep his goaltender rotation intact, and Joonas Korpisalo started the last game. It’s a shame, as the latter won’t get to face his former team after coming over from Columbus at the NHL trade deadline on March 1.

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Blue Jackets at Kings picks and predictions

Prediction

Kings 5, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline

The Kings (-280) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s way too risky, even against one of the worst teams in the NHL.

AVOID.

Puck line/Against the spread

The KINGS -1.5 (-120) are a much better value play laying the goal and a half.

In its last 4 victories, Los Angeles has won by 2 or more goals. As a favorite, the Kings have cashed on the puck line in 6 of the last 9, too.

On the flip side, the Blue Jackets +1.5 (+100) aren’t worth the risk due to their goaltender situation. Columbus is just allowing too many goals, and even if Merzlikins can make it back from Latvia, he has been super erratic this season.

Over/Under

The OVER 6.5 (-115) is the lean, mostly due to the fact the Blue Jackets have allowed 5.0 GPG across the last 4 outings. The Over is 4-0 in those outings, and 6-2 across the last 8 games overall.

For the Kings, the Over is 17-8-2 in the last 27 games overall, while cashing at a 10-4 clip in the last 14 games against Eastern Conference foes, and 15-5 in the last 20 against Metropolitan Division teams.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at San Jose Sharks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at San Jose Sharks odds, with hockey picks, predictions and best bets

The Columbus Blue Jackets (20-38-7) kick off a 5-game road trip Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks (19-36-12) at SAP Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Sharks odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blue Jackets have dropped 4 consecutive games, going 0-3-1 during the span, while cashing the Over in 3 straight. Columbus has scored 2 or more goals in 7 straight outings, which is great news, but it has also coughed up 4 or more goals in 4 in a row, and 3 or more goals in 7 consecutive outings.

The Sharks were dumped 5-2 at home against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night, and it has dropped 3 straight games while being outscored 15-4. San Jose has allowed 3 or more goals in 8 of the previous 9 contests.

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Blue Jackets at Sharks odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:36 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Sharks -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-190) | Sharks -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -130 | U: +110)

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Blue Jackets at Sharks projected goalies

Michael Hutchinson (0-1-1, 4.36 GAA, .873 SV%) vs. Kaapo Kahkonen (8-16-5, 3.82 GAA, .879 SV%, 1 SO)

Hutchinson allowed 4 goals on 23 shots on Friday in his 1st start with the organization after being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights. He has allowed on 10 goals on 79 shots in 3 appearances with Columbus so far.

Kahkonen has coughed up 4 or more goals in each of his 3 starts in March, which has been a miserable month for the backstop. He is 0-3-0 with a horrific 7.19 GAA and .798 SV% in the month.

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Blue Jackets at Sharks picks and predictions

Prediction

Blue Jackets 4, Sharks 3

Moneyline

Both of these teams are bad. But the BLUE JACKETS (+125) have been at least somewhat functional lately, especially on offense. This team has at least a point in 4 of the last 7 games, and 7 of the previous 11 outings.

The Sharks (-145) are rather heavy favorites for a team which is just 13-40 in the past 53 games at home. While the home team is 4-0 in the last 4 in this series, which seems to point to San Jose as a winner, the underdog is 7-2 in the previous 9 in the series.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Blue Jackets +1.5 (-190) are just a tad bit too expensive if you need some insurance, and can’t play Columbus straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-130) is the best play on the board against a pair of teams which have struggled defensively and in the crease lately.

The Over has cashed in 4 of the last 5 games overall for the Blue Jackets, while going 22-7-2 in the past 31 home games for the Sharks. The Over is 6-2 in the last 8 against Metropolitan Division teams for San Jose, too.

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St. Louis Blues at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s St. Louis Blues at Columbus Blue Jackets odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (28-31-5) travel to meet the Columbus Blue Jackets (20-37-7) Saturday at Nationwide Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blues vs. Blue Jackets odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blues doubled up the visiting San Jose Sharks by a 4-2 score Thursday, snapping a 2-game slide. Despite the win, the Blues are still just 2-6-2 across the past 10 games overall.

The Blue Jackets were tripped up 5-4 in overtime against the Pittsburgh Penguins last time out, and they have been outscored 14-8 in the past 3 games, going 0-2-1. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 games for CBJ.

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Blues at Blue Jackets odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blues -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Blue Jackets -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blues -1.5 (+200) | Blue Jackets +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Blues at Blue Jackets projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (22-23-5, 3.31 GAA, .894 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Michael Hutchinson (0-0-1, 4.52 GAA, .893 SV%)

Binnington allowed just 2 goals on 34 shots in Thursday’s 4-2 win against the San Jose Sharks. It was his first victory in 8 outings dating back to Feb. 16. He had allowed 3 or more goals in 7 straight starts before the win over the Sharks, too.

Hutchinson has been so-so since coming over from the Vegas Golden Knights in an NHL trade deadline deal. He allowed just a single goal on 16 shots in a relief appearance in Ottawa last Saturday. He coughed up 5 goals on 40 shots in a relief appearance Tuesday in Pittsburgh, coming on for the ill Elvis Merzlikins.

Merzlikins has left for his homeland of Latvia, as he was battling an illness, and then he had a death in the family. Daniil Tarasov will back up Hutchinson.

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Blues at Blue Jackets picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 4, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline

The BLUES (-115) are a solid play on the road in this battle of teams unlikely to qualify for the postseason.

The play is on St. Louis, as the Blue Jackets (-105) are a little shaky in the crease. While the Blues are just 2-5 in the past 7 trips to Columbus, back St. Louis.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Blue Jackets +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return if you would like to back the home side, but you just need a little insurance. It’s not worth it.

PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-115) is the way to go.

The Over is 3-1-1 in the past 5 games overall for the Blues, while cashing at a 33-12-6 clip in the past 51 road games. The Over is 3-1-1 in the past 5 for the Blue Jackets against losing teams, too.

The Over is also 5-1-1 in the past 7 meetings, while hitting at a 14-6-4 clip in the past 24 meetings in Columbus.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (20-37-6) visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (31-22-9) Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Penguins odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blue Jackets have dropped the last 2 games by a combined score of 9-4. Columbus has allowed 3 or more goals in 5 consecutive games and has alternated the Over and Under across the past 6 outings.

The Penguins had a 4-game win streak snapped with a 4-1 loss at the Florida Panthers Saturday. Pittsburgh has allowed 3 or more goals in 3 of the past 4, and 12 of the past 16, games.

This is the 3rd of 4 regular-season meetings. Pittsburgh won 4-1 at home on Dec. 6 behind G Tristan Jarry and won in Columbus by a 6-3 count on Oct. 22, also behind Jarry.

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Blue Jackets at Penguins odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Penguins -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (+105) | Penguins -1.5 (-125)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Blue Jackets at Penguins projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (7-17-2, 4.15 GAA, .879 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (19-7-5, 2.77 GAA, .916 SV%, 1 SO)

Merzlikins allowed 4 goals on 23 shots in just over a period of action before getting pulled against the Ottawa Senators Saturday. He is 0-2-0 with a 5.12 GAA and .863 SV% in 2 starts against the Penguins this season.

Jarry turned aside 4 goals on 31 shots in a 5-4 OT win at the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday. The British Columbia native is 10-4-0 with a 2.63 GAA and .923 SV% in 17 home outings and 2-0-0 with a 2.02 GAA and .944 SV% against CBJ this season.

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Blue Jackets at Penguins picks and predictions

Prediction

Penguins 5, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline

The Penguins (-300) will cost 3 times your potential return, and that’s just way too much risk for not enough reward. Even in a multi-team parlay, the Pens just don’t have value.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The PENGUINS -1.5 (-125) are much cheaper laying the goal and a half. Pittsburgh has won and covered on the puck line as favorites in both meetings with the Blue Jackets this season, winning each by 3 goals.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-115) is the lean, but expect it to be a close shave.

The Over is 7-3 in the past 10 games for the Blue Jackets against Eastern Conference foes and is 5-1 in the past 6 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

The Over is 3-0-1 in the past 4 home games for the Pens, while cashing at a 4-1-1 clip in the past 6 against Eastern Conference opponents.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Buffalo Sabres odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Buffalo Sabres odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (19-35-6) meet the Buffalo Sabres (31-23-4) Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/hulu). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Sabres odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blue Jackets are coming off a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in overtime at the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, although Columbus has managed to pick up points in 5 of the last 6 games overall.

Buffalo is on a roll, picking up 3 straight victories, and 5 wins in the last 6 outings. The Sabres are averaging 5.0 goals per game (GPG) across the last 6 contests.

The Sabres picked up a 9-4 win against the Sabres in Columbus in the 1st meeting on Dec. 7 and will play the final regular-season meeting there on April 14.

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Blue Jackets at Sabres odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:37 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Sabres -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-130) | Sabres -1.5 (+110)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -135 | U: +115)

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Blue Jackets at Sabres projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (6-15-2, 4.14 GAA, .876 SV%) vs. Craig Anderson (9-7-2, 2.70 GAA, .920 SV%, 1 SO)

Merzlikins has allowed exactly 3 goals in each of his last 5 starts, and 7 of the previous 8 starting assignments. He is 1-1-2 with a 2.92 GAA and .908 SV% in 4 February starts. It might not seem like much, but it is easily his most productive month of the season.

Anderson allowed just a single goal on 50 shots in a win at Florida last Friday, and he is 1-1-0 with a 2.53 GAA and .930 SV% in 2 starts and 3 appearances in February.

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Blue Jackets at Sabres picks and predictions

Prediction

Sabres 4, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline

The Sabres (-210) will cost you more than twice your potential return, and that’s quite expensive, even for a red-hot team trying to keep its playoff hopes afloat.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The SABRES -1.5 (+110) are a much better value on the puck line at plus-money. Buffalo has snuck into 4th place in the Atlantic Division, and it is within a single point of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

While that’s nice, Buffalo is still just 12-15-2 in 29 games at home. The Sabres have covered the last 4 games on the puck line when favored.

Over/Under

The UNDER 6.5 (+115) is worth a look at plus-money.

While the Over has dominated for the Sabres lately, winning 6 of the last 8 games overall, the Under is 6-0 in the last 6 after scoring 5 or more goals in the previous outing.

The Under is also 6-1 in the last 7 games overall for the Blue Jackets, while cashing in 5 of the last 6 against winning teams. The Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 games on the road.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Minnesota Wild odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Minnesota Wild odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (29-26-6) travel to meet the Minnesota Wild (30-23-4) Sunday at XCel Energy Center in St. Paul. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Wild odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blue Jackets outlasted the Edmonton Oilers by a 6-5 score on home ice Saturday afternoon, then jumped a plane for the Twin Cities immediately after the victory. The road has actually been kind to Columbus lately, as it has points in 3 straight games away from home, going 2-0-1.

The Wild suffered a 2-1 loss in overtime on Friday night at Toronto. Minnesota’s last win was 2-0 in Columbus on Thursday night. The Wild have had a bit of a power outage lately, though, scoring 2 or fewer goals in 6 of the last 7 games, while averaging just 2.0 goals per game across the previous 11.

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Blue Jackets at Wild odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets +255 (bet $100 to win $255) | Wild -310 (bet $310 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-110) | Wild -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Blue Jackets at Wild projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (6-15-1, 4.21 GAA, .873 SV%) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (17-13-3, 2.89 GAA, .904 SV%, 2 SO)

Merzlikins has been a little better lately than his season numbers, allowing 3 goals in each of his last 4 outings. He is 1-1-1 with a 2.97 GAA and .895 SV% in 3 February starts, as he slowly is starting to show signs of life.

Fleury turned aside all 30 shots he faced in the 1st meeting in Columbus Thursday, posting his 2nd shutout of the season. That victory snapped a 3-game losing streak. He’s 1-3-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .898 SV% in 4 February outings.

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Blue Jackets at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Wild 3, Blue Jackets 1

Moneyline

The Wild (-310) will cost you more than 3 times your potential return, and that’s too expensive, even as part of a multi-team parlay. Even though Minnesota won 2-0 Thursday in Columbus, it’s too much risk for not enough reward.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The WILD -1.5 (-110) on the puck line is a much better play.

Minnesota covered the puck line in Columbus behind Fleury. Expect the offense to be a little better on both sides in the rematch, but for the result to be the same. It might take an empty-net goal to get over the hump, however, so go lightly.

Over/Under

The UNDER 5.5 (+100) at even-money is the play in Sunday’s matinee action in the Twin Cities.

We had a total of just 2 goals in Thursday’s meeting. We should see a little more offense, especially since the Blue Jackets have more offensive confidence after rolling up 6 goals Saturday against the Oilers.

The Under is 14-2-1 in Minnesota’s last 17 home games, however, while going 7-0 in the last 7 against Eastern Conference teams.

The Under has cashed at a 4-1-1 clip in the last 6 road games for Columbus, but going 6-0 in the previous 6 outings against Central Division foes.

Want action on this matchup or any other NHL games? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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