Tag: Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (25-16-8) meet up with the New York Rangers (23-19-4) Sunday at Madison Square Garden for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Rangers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Elvis Merzlikins vs. Igor Shesterkin

Merzlikins enters Sunday’s game with a rare advantage in NHL experience. The 25-year-old rookie is on a personal four-game winning streak and is now 8-6-4 on the season with a .928 save percentage and 2.36 goals against average through 20 games (18 starts).

Shesterkin, 24, is making his third NHL start after winning each of his first two. He has stopped 75 of 81 shots faced.

Make this game more interesting by getting some action on it, or other NHL matchups, with a hockey bet at BetMGM.

Blue Jackets at Rangers: 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 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blue Jackets 3, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

Back the visiting BLUE JACKETS (+105) at plus-money as road underdogs. Shesterkin has been solid in the early going of his NHL career, but he gave up three goals in each outing and the Rangers (-129) shouldn’t be moderate favorites with him between the pipes at this point. The Jackets lead the Rangers by 8 points in the Metropolitan Division.

Columbus is on a four-game winning streak, including a 5-0 rout of the New Jersey Devils Saturday. They are 8-2-0 across their last 10 games and 10-7-6 on the road for the season. New York is 6-4-0 across its last 10 games and 13-8-2 at home for the campaign. NY has won two straight games, sweeping a home-and-home set against the rival New York Islanders Monday (6-2) and Thursday (3-2).

Take the value on the superior Blue Jackets.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID the puck line. The Blue Jackets are unlikely to win by multiple goals in the second half of their back-to-back, but there’s no value in their line of +1.5 (-250). There’s even less value in backing the Rangers (+1.5, -357) on the alternate line to lose by just one.

Both teams are strong against the spread. The Jackets are 28-21 ATS overall and 17-6 on the road. The Rangers are 31-15 ATS overall and 16-7 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (+110) as the more profitable side of the projected goal total. Merzlikins, even on the second half of a back-to-back, has been very strong of late. The Rangers enter well-rested and Shesterkin has looked the part of an NHL goaltender. We’re unlikely to see more than five total goals scored at MSG Sunday.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 176-164

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Boston Bruins at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Boston Bruins at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (22-16-8) host Brad Marchand and the Boston Bruins (27-8-12) Tuesday at Nationwide Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Bruins-Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

It was Marchand’s bizarre shootout gaffe Monday which led to Boston’s 6-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. He simply whiffed on picking up the puck at center ice.

Bruins at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Elvis Merzlikins

Rask received the night off Monday for the first half of the Bruins’ back-to-back. He remains 17-4-6 on the year with a 2.27 goals against average and .925 save percentage.

The rookie Merzlikins has won three of his last five games. The 25-year-old is 5-6-4 through 17 games (15 starts) with a 2.70 GAA and .915 SV%. He’s coming off his first NHL shutout Saturday when he stopped all 27 shots faced against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Make this game more interesting by getting some action on it, or other NHL matchups, with a hockey bet at BetMGM.

Bruins 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 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blue Jackets 3, Bruins 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUE JACKETS (+125) are in a nice spot as home underdogs against a team that went the distance on the road Monday. The Bruins (-150) have the luxury of being able to turn starting duties over to Rask, but they’ve been playing a lot of free hockey of late with seven of their last 13 games going at least to overtime.

Columbus is 12-9-2 at home for the season and 6-2-2 across its last 10 games. Boston is 12-6-3 on the road and 6-1-3 across its last 10 contests. The Jackets claimed a 2-1 overtime victory Jan. 2 in the season’s first head-to-head clash. Take the value.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Jackets to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $12.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Play it safe and get some easy insurance Monday by backing the BLUE JACKETS (+1.5, -228) to either lose by just 1 goal or win outright. Columbus is 25-21 against the spread overall, but just 8-15 on home ice. Boston is 21-26 ATS overall, but 11-10 on the road. Just one of the Jackets’ last six losses was decided by more than 1 goal and the Bruins have been involved in nine 1-goal games in their last 13 outings.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 5.5 (-134) following the Bruins’ 11-goal combined total Monday against the Flyers. Rask will stabilize things in net for the visitors, while the Jackets have gone just 2-8 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 164-150

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (21-16-8) take on the Vegas Golden Knights (24-17-6) in a cross-conference battle at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Elvis Merzlikins vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Merzlikins has appeared in 16 games, logging a 2.89 goals against average and .910 save percentage. Of late, he’s been even better (.935 SV% since Dec. 31) in mitigating the loss of G Joonas Korpisalo. Merzlikins does well in defending the net on quality scoring chances from the slot. That area of the ice will be key against a Vegas offense that gets there frequently.

Fleury owns a 2.84 GAA and .908 SV% through 31 games (30 starts). The veteran netminder has struggled at home, especially of late. He has given up four or more goals in four of his last six home starts. Since Dec. 19, he’s registered a shaky .873 SV%.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blue Jackets at Golden Knights: 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 12 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Vegas 4, Columbus 2

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. The matchup and projected game flow are clouded with a few too many questions. There’s not enough value in the chalky -222 odds for the Golden Knights to win outright. A $10 bet on Vegas to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would return a profit of just $4.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The one case for a small-to-moderate play is on the puck line. Columbus is 0-4 on the last day of multi-game road trips, and the Blue Jackets will close out a four-game West Coast swing Saturday. Columbus has yielded a lot of shots over recent games. The Jackets lost 3-1 against the San Jose Sharks Thursday. They are 2-7 (minus-5 units) after a two-goal loss in preceding games. They are just 6-12 (minus-7.8 units) against Western Conference opponents.

Vegas is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss, but it has shown resilience in such games this season. Recent puck-possession figures paint a more promising picture than does a 4-3 record over the team’s last seven games. Back the GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-1.5, +125).

Over/Under (O/U)

AVOID. The pressure is on the Over 5.5 (-125), but there’s too much gray area with some crossing trends and matchup advantages.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Atlantic Division-leading Boston Bruins (24-7-10) host the Columbus Blue Jackets (18-14-8) Thursday at TD Garden for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Bruins sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Elvis Merzlikins vs. Tuukka Rask

Merzlikins stopped 36 of 37 shots on goal in a win over the Florida Panthers on New Year’s Eve. It snapped an 0-4-3 start to his NHL career. He has a .900 save percentage and 3.14 goals against average.

Rask earned the W in each of his last two starts while stopping 63 of 68 shots on goal. He is 15-4-5 on the season with a .923 SV% and 2.31 GAA. He has been even better on home ice with a .925 SV% and 2.22 GAA.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blue Jackets at Bruins: 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 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 6, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline (ML)

Take the BRUINS (-228) even though this line requires swallowing a moderate amount of chalk. The Bruins are a magnificent 14-1-8 on home ice and lead the league with a plus-33 goal differential overall. They took a 3-2 shootout loss against the New Jersey Devils Tuesday with backup G Jarolsav Halak between the pipes. They had previously won three straight by an aggregate count of 13-5.

The Blue Jackets (+185) are intriguing at nearly a 2x return on your investment, but they’re just 6-6-6 on the road. They haven’t lost in regulation in any of their last 10 games and beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 Tuesday before having Wednesday off. Injuries continue to pile up for the Jackets with C Alexandre Texier (back) joining RW Cam Atkinson (lower body), RW Josh Anderson (shoulder) and LW Sonny Milano (upper body) in the press box.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Factor in the injury concerns for the Jackets and back the BRUINS (-1.5, +125) to win by at least 2 goals and turn a $10 bet into a $12.50 profit. The Jackets have recently taken the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins to overtime, but the Bruins have proven to be the league’s toughest opponent this season when at home.

A healthy Columbus side would have the advantages in Corsi (total shot attempts) and scoring chances at 5-on-5, but the Bruins will roll through the injury ward.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 5.5 (-106) with the Bruins able to take care of the bulk of the scoring against Merzlikins. Both sides have played to the Over in just three of their respective last 10 games, but Boston will open the floodgates Thursday.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 149-119

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Islanders (23-8-3) host the Columbus Blue Jackets (16-14-6) Monday at Nassau Coliseum for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop in a Metropolitan Division clash. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo vs. Semyon Varlamov

Korpisalo is 16-10-3 in his first season as the starter. He has a .910 save percentage and 2.56 goals against average with two shutouts. He’s on a personal four-game win streak and allowed just one goal on 22 shots against the New Jersey Devils his last time out.

Varlamov is 12-3-3 through 18 starts and three relief appearances. He has a .919 SV% and 2.47 GAA. He took a shootout loss his last time out, after allowing five goals on 28 shots in regulation against the visiting Anaheim Ducks.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blue Jackets at Islanders: 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 8:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blue Jackets 5, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-182) have lost two of their last three games, both at home. They’re 13-3-2 at home for the year as they hold second place in the Metropolitan Division. They’re coming off the 6-5 loss to the Ducks Saturday. The BLUE JACKETS (+150) are worth a shot at plus-money. Three of the four victories on their active win streak were decided by two or more goals, including a 5-1 win over the Devils Saturday.

The Islanders rank second-last in the NHL in the percentage of total shot attempts (Corsi) at 5-on-5 play. Columbus also has an analytical edge in scoring chances at 5-on-5.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $15.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Stick with the BLUE JACKETS (+1.5, -189) on the spread and back them to either lose by just 1 goal or win outright. It’s a much less rewarding play, but it’s safer. The Islanders are just 16-18 against the spread on the year and have covered in only seven of 18 home games. The Blue Jackets are 18-18 ATS overall and a pristine 11-5 on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 5.5 (+110) as it best factors into our outright and ATS picks of the Jackets. The Isles have relied far too heavily on elite goaltending thus far, and Varlamov was lit up his last time out. The Jackets haven’t received their proper share of puck luck, and they’ll be capable of handling the bulk of the scoring Monday.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 139-109

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Washington Capitals (24-5-5) visit the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-14-6) Monday at Nationwide Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Capitals-Blue Jackets odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Capitals won at the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 Saturday behind a four-goal third period, improving to 15-2-1 on the road.

The Blue Jackets rallied with two goals in the third period Saturday only to lose 4-3 in overtime at the Ottawa Senators.

Capitals at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Joonas Korpisalo

Holtby is 16-3-4 with a 2.80 goals against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner has won five of his last six starts, including a 3-2 home win vs. the Boston Bruins last Wednesday when he stopped 30 of 32 shots.

Korpisalo is 12-10-3 with a 2.73 GAA and a .906 SV%. He’s 2-3-1 in his last six starts after recording four straight wins. He relieved backup Elvis Merzlikins to start the second period in the OT loss at Ottawa, allowing two goals on 19 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Capitals at Blue Jackets: Key injuries

Blue Jackets

  • RW Josh Anderson (upper body) questionable
  • C Emil Bemstrom (upper body) out
  • LW Sonny Milano (concussion) questionable
  • D Ryan Murray (upper body) questionable
  • D Zach Werenski (shoulder) out

Capitals 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 Monday at 3:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Blue Jackets 1

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS -154 are the STRONGEST PLAY as they’ll be looking to avenge last Monday’s 5-2 home loss to these same Blue Jackets (+125). Columbus only has one win its last seven games and stunningly it was that upset at Washington – as a +199 underdog. Cam Atkinson scored twice and Korpisalo stopped 37 of 39 shots for the Blue Jackets, who snapped a Capitals’ six-game winning streak.

New to sports betting? Every $1.54 wagered on a Washington win would profit a $1 if the Capitals win outright.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Back the CAPITALS (-1.5, +170) here, too. They’re 14-4 vs. the puck line (PL) on the road, including 4-1 vs. the PL in their last five. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets (+1.5, -209) are 5-12 vs. the PL at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

If Holtby and Korpisalo are in net, the UNDER 5.5 (+115) is the way to go. Wait for later in the day in case the line climbs to 6. However, if there’s a goalie change, bet the Over 5.5 (+115). Washington is 22-12 O/U and ranks second in the league with 3.59 goals per game, but is only 10-8 O/U on the road. Columbus is 13-18 O/U overall with 2.47 goals per game, while the defense allows 3.03 goals per game. Plus, the Jackets are 6-11 O/U at home.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 9-1-1. Strongest plays: 5-0.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Columbus Blue Jackets (11-14-4) visit the Washington Capitals (22-4-5) Monday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Blue Jackets lost their fourth in a row Saturday, falling at the Florida Panthers 4-1 in the first game of a four-game road swing.

Meanwhile, the Capitals are on a six-game win streak. C Jakub Vrana scored the winner 1:37 in to the third period to give Washington a 3-2 victory at the Anaheim Ducks on Friday to wrap up a perfect four-game road trip.

Blue Jackets at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Joonas Korpisalo vs. Braden Holtby

Korpisalo is 11-10-1 with a 2.85 goals against average (GAA) and a .900 save percentage. He lost his last two starts, allowing three goals in each contest, and has lost three of his last four.

Holtby is 15-2-4 with a 2.78 GAA and a .910 SV%. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner is on a four-game win streak, stopping 114 of 124 shots.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blue Jackets at Capitals: Key injuries

Blue Jackets

  • D Zach Werenski (shoulder) out
  • C Emil Bemstrom (upper body) questionable

Capitals

  • C Nicklas Backstrom (upper body) probable

Blue Jackets at Capitals: 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 Monday at 1:05 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 6, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Capitals (-239) are not losing this one, but the price is too costly. Every $2.39 wagered on a Washington win would profit only a $1 if the Caps prevail. I can’t advise anyone to bet that kind of chalk – however, I’m going to play it for a few coins. The Blue Jackets are +195, meaning every $1 wagered would profit $1.95 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

If you don’t want to take the risk with their ML, the CAPITALS (-1.5, +115) puck line offers $1.15 for every $1 wagered if they win by two goals or more. Keep in mind that Washington is 5-9 at home on the PL – the Caps’ last two home wins were only by a goal apiece. While Columbus (+1.5, -139) is struggling, it is 7-5 vs. the PL on the road (but 12-17 on the PL overall). Only one of its last four losses was by one goal. Thus, a small lean with the home team.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is the STRONGEST PLAY – if you’re passing on the Capitals ML. Washington is 20-11 O/U and ranks third in the league with 3.61 goals per game. However, Columbus is 11-17 O/U and ranks 30th (out of 31 teams) with 2.45 goals per game. The positive side of this play, the Blue Jackets allow 3.10 goals per game.

Every $1.54 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s NHL record: 4-5. Strongest plays: 2-2.

2019 plays (all sports): 226-199-4. Strongest plays: 94-83.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Rangers at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New York Rangers at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets

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.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

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.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Islanders (16-5-2) host the Columbus Blue Jackets (11-10-4) Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn with puck drop scheduled for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blue Jackets-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blue Jackets at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Elvis Merzlikins vs. Thomas Greiss

Merzlikins is 0-2-3 through his first five NHL starts and one relief appearance. The 25-year-old former third-round pick has a .890 save percentage and 3.54 goals against average. His last start was Nov. 23 against the Winnipeg Jets, when he allowed four goals on 31 shots.

Greiss was riding a personal eight-game winning streak before taking the loss his last time out, when he gave up three goals on 23 shots faced. He is 9-2-0 on the season with a .930 SV% and 2.15 GAA. Both rates would be the best of his career if they hold through the end of the season.

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Blue Jackets at Islanders: 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 Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 6, Blue Jackets 1

Moneyline (ML)

The -176 odds for the ISLANDERS to win outright are much more appealing than they should be. New York has lost three in a row but has been off since Wednesday and returns home from a three-game swing through California. The Isles are 10-2-1 on home ice and have won their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.

The Blue Jackets beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 at home Friday but they’re just 3-4-3 on the road for the season and have a goal differential of minus-12 as they turn to their backup goaltender Saturday.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Islanders to win would return a profit of $5.68.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Increase your potential profit with the ISLANDERS by backing them to cover the spread of -1.5 (+165) and win by two or more goals. The Isles are 11-12 on the puck line overall and 6-7 at home while the Jackets are 12-13 overall and 7-3 on the road. The Isles have the home, rest and goaltending advantages and their unsuccessful road trip can be swept aside.

Over/Under (O/U)

New York is 5-5 against the O/U across its last 10 games while Columbus is 4-5-1 in the same span. Take the OVER 5.5 (+105) with the Islanders set up to take care of the bulk of the scoring against the unproven rookie.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 92-80

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (14-7-4) face the Columbus Blue Jackets (10-10-4) at Nationwide Arena Friday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Blue Jackets odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Penguins at Blue Jackets: Projected starting goalies

Matt Murray vs. Joonas Korpisalo

Murray has struggled mightily of late as his goals against average has ballooned to 2.72 and his save percentage is only .901. The 9-4-4 record includes one shutout. He has allowed four-plus goals in each of his previous three starts.

Korpisalo has a 10-8-1 record for the Blue Jackets this season. He has a .901 SV% and 2.88 GAA. He stopped just 19 of 22 shots in his last start which was a 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Penguins 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 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penguins 4, Blue Jackets 3

Moneyline (ML)

The PENGUINS (-121) are a bit of a risk but carry a decent value heading into Columbus considering they have won nine of the previous 10 meetings between the division rivals. Pittsburgh is our pick in a close game which could go to extra time.

A $10 bet with Pittsburgh results in an $8.26 profit with an outright win for the Penguins.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

It is a true study of contrasts as Pittsburgh found a way to win a wild one against the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday by a score of 8-6. It was down 6-3 at one point and there is hesitation to ride the Penguins to cover the -1.5 goals at +195. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is our strong play Friday. Chances of both teams scoring three-plus goals are high. Pittsburgh and Columbus have averaged over seven goals combined in their previous 10 games.

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $7.19 profit with a total of six or more goals scored.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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