The Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets meet on Thursday in NHL action at the Nationwide Arena. Here’s a Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Prediction. This article will include a Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Pick.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche lost to the Flames, beat the Blackhawks, and they play the Blues, Golden Knights, and Canucks next. The Avs have won 13 of their last 17 games since February 26.
The Colorado Avalanche are averaging 3.3 goals per game and are scoring on 4.9 percent of their power play opportunities. Nathn MacKinnon leads Colorado with 30 goals, Cale Maker has 58 assists, and Devon Toews has 134 shots on goal. Defensively, the Colorado Avalanche are allowing 2.76 goals per game and are killing 79.5 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Mackenzie Blackwood has allowed 69 goals on 853 shots faced, while Scott Wedgewood has given up 33 goals on 406 shots.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Predators, lost to the Senators, and play the Maple Leafs, Senators, and Sabres next. The Blue Jackets have won three of their last four games.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are averaging 3.23 goals per game and are scoring 19.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Kirill Marchenko leads Columbus with 31 goals, Zach Werenski has 54 assists, and Adam Fantilli has 169 shots on goal. Defensively, the Columbus Blue Jackets are allowing 3.36 goals per game and are killing 75.8 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Daniil Tarasov has allowed 63 goals on 534 shots faced, and Elvis Merzlikins has given up 153 goals on 1,444 shots.
Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win
- The Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games as home underdogs following a win.
- The Avalanche have lost three of their last four games as road favorites following a road win.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 games against Central Division opponents.
- The Avalanche have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games at Nationwide Arena.
- The Blue Jackets have won the third period in each of their last five games against the Avalanche when tied after the second period.
Why the Colorado Avalanche will win
- The Avalanche have won each of their last 12 games as favorites after coming off a shootout.
- The Blue Jackets have lost seven of their last eight games as underdogs.
- The Avalanche have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games as favorites after coming off a shootout.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four games following a win.
- The Avalanche have won the second period in each of their last six games as favorites following a shootout win.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 27th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.36).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 31st in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.30).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 6th in the league for goals per game this season (3.30).
- The Colorado Avalanche are one of seven teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Injury Report
The Blue Jackets will be without Owen Sillinger.
The Colorado Avalanche will be without Sean Behrens, Josh Manson, and Tucker Poolman. Jonathan Drouin is questionable.
Blue Jackets vs Avalanche Prediction
The Avalanche are the better team and should be favored, but I’m going to take a shot with the Blue Jackets and the plus money. The Blue Jackets have been one of the better home teams in the league, where they’re 22-9-5 in the season. The Blue Jackets are coming off a strong week with wins in three of their last four games, and they’re making a last-second push for a wild card spot. It won’t be easy, but with the Blue Jackets, having something to play for makes them worth a look as a home dog. The Blue Jackets have upset the Avs in four of the last seven meetings. I’ll take a shot with the Blue Jackets and the plus money.