Columbus Blue Jackets at New Jersey Devils odds, picks, and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at New Jersey Devils odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (15-15-1) and New Jersey Devils (13-16-5) meet Thursday in Newark, N.J. Puck drop at Prudential Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Blue Jackets vs. Devils odds and lines and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Columbus returned from a 13-day COVID-19 hiatus with a 4-3 shootout win over the Nashville Predators Dec. 30. However, the Blue Jackets have since been shellacked by a combined score of 14-6 in two losses to the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Devils had a three-game win streak snapped when they lost at the Boston Bruins Tuesday. New Jersey has yielded 5 or more in eight of its last 15 games; the club has allowed 4.20 goals per game over that time.

Thursday’s game in Newark marks the front end of a home-and-home. The Devils and Jackets will meet in Columbus Saturday.

Blue Jackets at Devils odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blue Jackets +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Devils -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-230) | Devils -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

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Blue Jackets at Devils projected goalies

Joonas Korpisalo (3-5-0, 4.14 GAA, .881 SV%) vs. Mackenzie Blackwood (8-7-3, 3.32 GAA, .895 SV%, 2 SO)

Korpisalo has not delivered since logging a .911 SV% and 2.60 GAA for the 2019-20 Blue Jackets. The 27-year-old has posted lackluster numbers in and around significant time missed due to a COVID-19 illness.

He’s between the pipes now with G Elvis Merzlikins (lower body) and G Daniil Tarasov (lower body) sidelined with injuries and was allowed to go the distance in allowing 7 goals to the Lightning on Tuesday.

Blackwood stopped 29 shots in Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Bruins. He’s been solid against shots from distance but undone on high-danger looks from in close. His overall numbers have been protected, however, because New Jersey does credible work in preventing those attempts.

Blue Jackets at Devils odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Devils 5, Blue Jackets 3

Money line

AVOID. The Devils are the lean, but the pricing on the puck line is more competitive for bettors who can chance the multi-goal differential.

Against the spread

Columbus is 1-7-0 across its last eight road games, and some of those seven losses have been clunky efforts from an analytic-metrics standpoint.

New Jersey has been inconsistent, but the Devils have posted solid puck-possession numbers on their good nights.

Both sides are banged up with injuries on the blue line, and there are plenty of questions in net. Figure DEVILS -1.5 (+170) as being worth a look as the best side in this one.

Over/Under

The Over is 4-0 in the Jackets’ last four road games, and it’s 4-0 in New Jersey’s last four overall.

The Columbus offense is a bit undervalued in general, and the injury issues for both teams are among key defensemen and goalies. TAKE THE OVER 6.5 (+100).

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (5-3-0) face the Colorado Avalanche (4-4-0) Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Blue Jackets vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blue Jackets edged the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in a shootout Sunday behind backup Joonas Korpisalo. Columbus has been an underdog in each of its last seven games and won four of those outings.

The Avalanche started a bit slowly with a 1-3-0 record across their first four outings, but have won three of their last four games, including the previous two.

Blue Jackets at Avalanche odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blue Jackets +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Avalanche -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-165) | Avalanche -1.5 (+130)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Blue Jackets at Avalanche projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (4-1-0, 1.98 GAA, .939 SV%) vs. Jonas Johansson (0-1-0, 3.03 GAA, .919 SV%)

Merzlikins was on the short end of a 4-0 loss on the road against the New York Rangers Friday despite making 33 saves. He won his first four starts and allowed 2 or fewer goals in each contest.

Johansson makes his second start of the season as he spells starter Darcy Kuemper. He allowed 3 goals on 37 shots in a 4-1 loss at Florida Oct. 21, showing well against a very good team.

Blue Jackets at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blue Jackets 3

Money line

The Avalanche (-190) will cost you almost twice your potential return, and that’s just a little more expensive than I care to spend on a money line. In a parlay of three teams or more it wouldn’t be terribly out of line.

AVOID.

Against the spread

The BLUE JACKETS +1.5 (-165) are not very expensive on the puck line if you would like a little insurance. I think the goaltender matchup is in favor of the visitors, as Merzlikins has been very steady this season and Johansson could be a bit rusty in just his second outing.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-120) is the overwhelming trend in this matchup. The Over is 3-1-1 in the previous five meetings between these clubs and 12-3-2 in the past 17 between them in the Mile High City. Colorado has scored 4 or more goals in three of its last four outings. Look for plenty of goals in this one.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and prediction

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

The Columbus Blue Jackets (4-3-0) face the New Jersey Devils (4-2-0) Sunday at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Blue Jackets vs. Devils odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blue Jackets were blanked 4-0 Friday at Madison Square Garden by the New York Rangers, and have totaled just five goals scored across their last three outings. The Under is 5-1 across the last six for Columbus.

The Devils doubled up the Penguins on the road Saturday. New Jersey has alternated wins and losses in each of its last five outings. The Under is 2-1-2 across the past five contests.

Blue Jackets at Devils odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blue Jackets +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Devils -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-280) | Devils -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under (O/U): OTB

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Blue Jackets at Devils projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (4-1-0, 1.98 GAA, .939 SV%) vs. Scott Wedgewood (0-2-0, 3.45 GAA, .878 SV%)

Merzlikins was on the short end of Friday’s loss against the Rangers. However, he made 33 saves, the third time this season he’s made 33 or more saves, as he faced his second-highest shot total of the season.

Wedgewood has been on the short end in each of his two appearances. He stopped 20 of 22 shots in a relief appearance Tuesday against the Calgary Flames.

Blue Jackets at Devils odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Blue Jackets 4, Devils 2

Money line

The BLUE JACKETS (+102) are short ‘dogs on the road, but the goaltender matchup is squarely in their favor. Merzlikins has been on fire, and the trends are also very much in the favor of the road team.

Columbus is 21-7 in the past 28 meetings with New Jersey, and it is 6-1 in the past seven trips to Newark.

Against the spread

The Blue Jackets +1.5 (-280) are way too expensive, costing you nearly three times your potential return if you want a little bit of insurance. If you like the Jackets, just play them straight up.

AVOID.

Over/Under

This total has come off the board but it was listed at 6.5 at the time of writing.

If it opens back up at that number then UNDER 6.5 (-130) is the lean here. Merzlikins hasn’t allowed much of anything. While the Blueshirts got to him in his most recent start, no one is going to confuse New Jersey’s mediocre offense with that of the Rangers.

The Under is also 6-2 in the previous eight meetings in this series, and 8-2-2 in the past 12 battles in Newark, so the trends are in your favor, too.

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Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Detroit Red Wings (17-25-8) travel to meet the Columbus Blue Jackets (15-25-10) Tuesday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Nationwide Arena. Below, we analyze the Red Wings-Blue Jackets odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Red Wings dropped seven goals on the Dallas Stars Thursday, winning at home by four, but they were back to their non-scoring ways in a 2-1 overtime loss Saturday in the rematch. Even with the seven goals in the win, they are averaging just 2.4 goals per game across the past five.

The Blue Jackets saw G Joonas Korpisalo exit with a lower-body injury last time out as things go from bad to worse. Columbus has now dropped nine in a row, including seven in regulation. The Jackets were also swept in Detroit March 27-28, getting outscored 7-2.

Red Wings at Blue Jackets: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

Money line: Red Wings +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Blue Jackets -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Red Wings +1.5 (-225) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under: 5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

Red Wings at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Thomas Greiss (6-15-7, 2.95 GAA, .904 SV%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (6-12-3, 2.94 GAA, .910 SV%, 1 SO)

Greiss has a poor W-L-T record overall, but he has deserved so much better. He has allowed three or fewer goals in each of his past three outings, and nine of his past 10 starts. He is 0-1-0 with a 2.34 GAA and .921 SV% in one start and one relief appearances vs. Columbus.

Merzlikins will man the crease as long as Korpisalo is on the shelf. The 27-year-old Latvian backstop hasn’t won in seven starts dating back to March 30 at the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is also 0-2-1 with a 2.72 GAA and .909 SV% in three starts against Detroit this season.

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Red Wings at Blue Jackets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Red Wings 3, Blue Jackets 2

Money line (ML)

The RED WINGS (+120) are worth a roll of the dice as they’ve been playing much better than their counterparts lately. Starting with a stunning 5-1 road win at Tampa Bay as heavy dogs, Detroit has picked up at least one point in eight of the past 11, including five outright victories.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Red Wings (+1.5, -225) are a little too expensive for my liking at more than two times your potential return. They have cashed in six of the past eight on the puck line, but it will cost you. I’d prefer to just play them straight up.

Over/Under (O/U)

I am projecting the O/U line of 5 to be right on the number. If I had a lean, it would be to the Under, which is 20-7-2 in the past 29 meetings in this series. UNDER 5.5 (-160) on the alternate line might be a better option, albeit slightly more expensive.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Detroit Red Wings NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (13-14-8) wrap up a two-game set against the Detroit Red Wings (11-20-4) Sunday with a 3 p.m. ET puck drop at Little Caesars Arena. Below, we analyze the Blue Jackets-Red Wings odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Blue Jackets at Red Wings: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blue Jackets -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Red Wings +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread/ATS: Blue Jackets -1.5 (+165) | Red Wings +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Blue Jackets at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (5-4-2, 2.93 GAA, .912 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Thomas Greiss (2-14-4, 3.51 GAA, .885 SV%)

Merzlikins gets the nod over Cameron Johnson for a second straight start. Joonas Korpisalo is dealing with a lower-body injury, so Merzlikins will try to get it right after falling in Saturday’s game. He turned aside 31 of the 34 shots he faced in the loss, and he has now lost three of his past five games.

Greiss gets a look after Calvin Pickard picked up the start and win Saturday. He has one loss in one start and one relief appearance against the Blue Jackets this season, allowing 3 goals on 29 shots Jan. 18.

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Blue Jackets at Red Wings: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Blue Jackets 4, Red Wings 1

Money line (ML)

The BLUE JACKETS (-165) showed Saturday why nothing is a certainty in the NHL. They have dominated this series historically, but the Red Wings dictated the tempo for most of the game in front of Pickard.

Look for the boys from C-Bus to return the favor in Sunday’s matinee game, as the Wings have won back-to-back contests on just two other occasions this season.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The BLUE JACKETS -1.5 (+165) might have stung bettors Saturday, and if one of those was you, forget it and move on.

Sometimes bettors tend to avoid making the same bet because of a sour taste in their mouths from a loss. The Jackets have the better overall body of work on the season, and they’re going to get a nice win by at least 2 goals here.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-135) is the play, just as it was Saturday. That part came through, and the Under is now 4-1-2 across Detroit’s past seven games.

The Under is also 5-1 in the previous six games for Columbus.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Detroit Red Wings NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (13-13-8) kick off a two-game set against the Detroit Red Wings (10-20-4) Saturday for a 3 p.m. ET puck drop at Little Caesars Arena. Below, we analyze the Blue Jackets-Red Wings odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

Blue Jackets at Red Wings: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blue Jackets -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Red Wings +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
Against the spread/ATS: Blue Jackets -1.5 (+180) | Red Wings +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +115 | U: -140)

Blue Jackets at Red Wings: Projected starting goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (5-3-2, 2.91 GAA, .912 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Thomas Greiss (2-14-4, 3.51 GAA, .885 SV%)

Merzlikins has won back-to-back starts for the first time since Jan. 23-28, and he is 2-0-1 with a 3.14 GAA and .899 SV% in three starts in March.

He has faced the Red Wings just once, allowing three goals on 27 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss at LCA back on Jan. 19.

Greiss has dropped his past three starts, including an ugly showing on Thursday when he coughed up just three goals on seven shots before getting pulled in a 7-1 whitewashing in Nashville.

Of course, he has received just one goal of offensive support in his past three starts, too, and 23 goals of support in the previous 12 appearances.

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Blue Jackets at Red Wings: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Blue Jackets 4, Red Wings 2

Money line (ML)

The BLUE JACKETS (-155) are moderate favorites on the road against the punching bag Red Wings (+130).

Detroit has managed to light the lamp just one time in the past three games, and they were destroyed last time out in Nashville by a 7-1 count. Columbus has won two of the three meetings this season, outscoring Detroit 9-6.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The BLUE JACKETS -1.5 (+180) are worth backing with a chance to nearly double up, as the Red Wings +1.5 (-225) offense has been rather anemic, not only over the past three games but really for the entire season.

Detroit has just 2.1 goals per game to rank 30th out of 31 NHL teams, they’re also 30th in shots on goal (27.4) and 29th on the power play at just 12%.

Defensively, the Red Wings are also awful, ranking 27th with 3.3 goals per game allowed, and they’re the worst team on the penalty kill at 71.4%.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-140) will cost you a little extra juice, but those extra dollars will be worth it. Playing the alternate line of a flat 5 (+135) at plus-money looks tempting, but Columbus could easily erupt for plenty of goals against Greiss to sink your ticket.

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Chicago Blackhawks at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at Columbus Blue Jackets NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Chicago Blackhawks (9-6-4) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (8-7-4) for a Tuesday night (7 p.m. ET) tussle at Nationwide Arena. Below, we analyze the Blackhawks-Blue Jackets NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blackhawks at Blue Jackets: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Blackhawks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Blue Jackets -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Blackhawks +1.5 (-250) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+200)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Blackhawks at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Kevin Lankinen (7-3-3, .927 SV%, 2.43 GAA) vs. Joonas Korpisalo (5-4-3, .889 SV%, 3.49 GAA)

Lankinen owns a .939 SV% in 5-on-5 play. Among goaltenders appearing in 10 or more games, only G Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay) and G Marc-Andre Fleury (Vegas) have better percentages. The ‘Hawks rookie logged his first career shutout two starts back (Feb. 17 vs. Detroit); he then allowed four goals in a loss in his last game (Feb. 19 vs. Carolina). Two of the four goals he allowed against the Hurricanes were of the power-play variety.

Korpisalo has been running hot-and-cold this month, and overall cold has been winning out. In eight February appearances, the 26-year-old Finn has logged a shaky .847 SV%. One of his iffy recent efforts came against these Blackhawks (5 goals allowed at Chicago on Feb. 11). Korpisalo’s last 60-minute start was Feb. 13; he’s since been pulled in one start and solid as a backup in another.

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Blackhawks at Blue Jackets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Blue Jackets 2

Money line (ML)

Columbus is 4-5-1 with subpar puck-possession numbers over its last 10 games. The Jackets own a 63.6% kill rate on penalties over that span, and the losses have often been of the decisive variety.

Lankinen has made four starts on more than one day of rest. He has stopped 134 of 137 pucks (.978) in those four efforts. Chicago may prove to be a club too far out over its skis when it gets into a tough March schedule, but the Blackhawks are a solid play in this one.

BACK THE BLACKHAWKS +115.

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Against the spread (ATS)

STEER CLEAR of the juice-filled prices here. A play on a Chicago club that has only once in its last 16 games lost by multiple scores is intriguing. A -225 on that side would make for some value.

Over/Under (O/U)

No lean here: PASS.

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Nashville Predators at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Nashville Predators at Columbus Blue Jackets NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Nashville Predators (6-9-0) and Columbus Blue Jackets (7-6-4) will play the first half of a two-game set at Nationwide Arena Thursday. Puck drop will be at 7 p.m. ET; Game 2 will be played Saturday. Below, we analyze the Predators-Blue Jackets NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Jackets have dropped back-to-back games. After losing 3-2 in overtime to the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday, they were routed 7-3 by the Carolina Hurricanes Monday.

The Preds had a two-game set against the Dallas Stars postponed due to the winter storm that has devastated the Dallas area. They lost four of their previous five games and may have been in need of the extended break.

Predators at Blue Jackets: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:19 a.m. ET.

Money line: Predators +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Blue Jackets -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Predators +1.5 (-250) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+200)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Predators at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Juuse Saros (3-4-0, .880 SV%, 3.66 GAA) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (2-2-1, .906 SV%, 2.95 GAA)

Saros last appeared in relief of Pekka Rinne Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings. He allowed 1 goal on 6 shots in just under 20 minutes of crease time as the Preds fell 4-2 on home ice. His last credited win was Jan. 27 over the Blackhawks.

Merzlikins’ last two appearances were both in relief of starter Joonas Korpisalo. He stopped 16 of 18 shots in just under 45 minutes of total ice time. His last start was Jan. 31 against the Blackhawks when he allowed 3 goals on 36 shots in a loss.

Predators at Blue Jackets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Predators 3, Blue Jackets 2

Money line (ML)

The well-rested PREDATORS (+115) are the play for the minor road upset. They’re ninth in the NHL with a 5-on-5 Corsi For percentage of 51.58, while the Blue Jackets are 28th at 46.94%.

Merzlikins will be motivated with an apparent opportunity to take over the No. 1 goaltending role in Columbus, but Saros is also in need of a quality outing to retain his job for Nashville.

The Jackets continue to be without D Zach Werenski (lower body) and that’s the most notable injury on either side. The Preds have a strong top-six forward group, even without C Ryan Johansen (upper body), and can exploit the weakened second pairing of the Jackets.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The PREDATORS +1.5 (-250) can also be backed with the goal of insurance but preferably as part of a larger NHL parlay. They’re just 6-9 ATS but the Blue Jackets are 7-10 and haven’t beaten anyone by 2 or more goals since topping the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 Jan. 23.

Both power-play and penalty-kill units are in the bottom third of the league. Expect a close, low-scoring and largely uneventful 1-goal game.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is the play with both teams in the bottom half of the league in goals scored. They both allow 3.47 goals per game but the goalies are well-positioned to get back on track against a lackluster opponent.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (3-2-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (2-3-3) drop the puck on the front half of a two-game weekend set Friday night. The Jackets and ‘Hawks will get underway at 8 p.m. ET at United Center. Below, we analyze the Blue Jackets-Blackhawks NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blue Jackets at Blackhawks: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Blue Jackets -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Blackhawks +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread/ATS: Blue Jackets -1.5 (+200) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Blue Jackets at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo (1-1-2, .928 SV%, 2.45 GAA) vs. Kevin Lankinen (2-0-2, .931 SV%, 2.18 GAA)

Korpisalo stopped 28 of 31 shots Tuesday vs. the Florida Panthers. He stopped 28 of 30 shots in one start against the Blackhawks last season. Korpisalo owns a .944 SV% over two road turns this winter and has a history as being a solid option in road games.

Lankinen has the hot hand in a three-goalie competition for Chicago, although G Malcolm Subban was solid in an overtime loss at the Nashville Predators Tuesday. Lankinen has a sparkling .944 SV% in even-strength play, and he’s been sharp against shots from the doorstep and on second chances off rebounds.

Blue Jackets at Blackhawks: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Chicago 3, Columbus 2

Money line (ML)

Puck-possession and shot analytics peg the Blackhawks as being a better unit in their own zone this season. That’s on the heels of coughing up the most shots in the league last year, so that’s not to say the ‘Hawks are suddenly a top-third group.

C Jonathan Toews (undisclosed(, F Kirby Dach (wrist) and W Alex Debrincat (COVID-19 protocol) are out of the lineup, and that fact showed up in Chicago generating just two even-strength goals and 40 even-strength shots in two games in Nashville. The Blackhawks’ expected-goals percentages are impressive, and they’re getting decent goaltending.

These two teams have thus far played similar schedules in 2021. The transitive results favor Chicago’s efforts in those games. Columbus played a home game Thursday and the Jackets are 1-2-1 in four road games. They struggled mightily on the road down the homestretch in last year’s shortened season (0-3-4 last seven road games).

There is solid value in the BLACKHAWKS (+105).

Against the spread (ATS)

Three of Chicago’s last five games have been one-goal affairs. Five of Columbus’ last six fit that bill.

STEER CLEAR of a juice-filled puck line.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAKE THE UNDER 5.5 (+100). Peg this matchup with some respect for the goaltending (albeit in a small sample for the Chicago end).

With the Jackets on the back half of two-in-two-days and the ‘Hawks showing some recent slow-tempo tendency, projecting a 3-2 or 4-1 outcome is worth the +100 proposition.

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Tampa Bay Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Columbus Blue Jackets NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (3-0-0) and Columbus Blue Jackets (1-2-2) meet for the second time in three days at Nationwide Arena Saturday afternoon. The matinee puck drop will be at 2 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay came away with a 3-2 overtime win Thursday. Below, we analyze the Lightning-Blue Jackets NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Lightning at Blue Jackets: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:58 a.m. ET.

Money line: Lightning -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Blue Jackets +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread/ATS: Lightning -1.5 (+165) | Blue Jackets +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Lightning at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy (3-0-0, .941 SV%, 1.65 GAA) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (0-1-1, .867 SV%, 4.01 GAA)

Vasilevskiy has started all three games for the Lightning but certainly doesn’t seem in need of a rest. He has stopped 80 of 85 total shots. Thursday’s win was a continuation of his strong play against the Jackets after he stopped 160 of 172 shots against them last postseason.

Merzlikins is expected to get the nod for Game 2 against the Bolts after No. 1 starter Joonas Korpisalo stopped 34 of 37 shots in Thursday’s OT loss. Merzlikins last played Tuesday and stopped 24 of 27 shots in an overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

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Lightning at Blue Jackets: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Lightning 5, Blue Jackets 1

Money line (ML)

The LIGHTNING (-165) are the play with more value than there should be in this money line price. They outshot the Jackets 37-25 Thursday with goals from three different players.

Tampa Bay also dominated the analytics battle, registering more total shot attempts (including blocked and missed shots) and scoring chances at 5-on-5. The reigning champs are looking the part, even without RW Nikita Kucherov, and will keep rolling Saturday.

The Jackets will be sitting the disgruntled Pierre-Luc Dubois Saturday while searching for a trade partner. He has fallen out with head coach John Tortorella and remains to be seen which side his teammates will take.

Against the spread (ATS)

Dating back to last postseason, the Jackets have proven capable of hanging with the Lightning, but largely due to elite goaltending. With Dubois sitting out Saturday and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen working the phones for a trade, the distractions could prove too much for those remaining in the Columbus lineup, especially against an opponent like Tampa Bay.

Take the LIGHTNING -1.5 (+165) to win by at least 2 goals, and give some thought to the alternate line of -2.5 (+290) for a real payday.

Over/Under (O/U)

We’ll need the Lightning to do most of the work but take the OVER 5.5 (-115). Merzlikins hasn’t looked as sharp as he was last season.

The rampant distractions in Columbus coupled with the mid-afternoon start time are likely to result in some sloppy play at the defensive end for the home team.

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