In this article we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Rangers prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, February 8th at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 26-21-8 this year after they lost to Utah in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Columbus led 1-0 after the first period, but they needed a late goal in the second to tie the game at two, before losing in overtime. The Blue Jackets were outshot by a total of 33-22, won 52.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Danforth and Provorov, while Merzlikins stopped 30 out of 33 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Blue Jackets lost to the Sabres by a score of 3-2 and the Stars by a score of 5-3. Columbus has lost three games in a row and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 60 points. Columbus has scored 3.22 goals per game and they have allowed 3.29 goals against per game, while also going 21.1% on the power play and 75.3% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 17 goals, 41 assists, and 201 shots on goal, while Dmitri Voronkov has added 19 goals, 16 assists, and 105 shots on goal. Elvis Merzlikins is 19-13-4 with a 2.96 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this season.
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers are 26-24-4 this year after they lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 3-2 in their last game. New York led 2-1 in the second period, but they allowed the last two goals in the game for the loss. The Rangers were outshot by a total of 26-24, won 54.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Trocheck and Fox, while Shesterkin stopped 23 out of 26 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Rangers defeated the Bruins by a score of 3-2 and the Golden Knights by a score of 4-2. New York has lost four of their last six games and they are currently sixth in the Metro standings with 56 points. New York has scored 2.98 goals per game and they have allowed 3.06 goals against per game, while also going 20.9% on the power play and 82.5% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 23 goals, 34 assists, and 159 shots on goal, while Adam Fox has added four goals, 39 assists, and 93 shots on goal. Jonathan Quick is 7-5-2 with a 3.04 goals against average and a .901 save percentage this year.
Why the Rangers will beat the Blue Jackets
- The Rangers have won each of their last four games at Nationwide Arena following a loss.
- The Blue Jackets have lost four of their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Rangers have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine games against the Blue Jackets following a loss.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents after coming off overtime.
- The Blue Jackets have lost the second period in each of their last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents when leading after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Rangers’ last seven games against the Blue Jackets following a loss has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the Blue Jackets’ last nine home games after coming off overtime have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the last six games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last six games at Nationwide Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in nine of the last 10 games between the Rangers and Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Zach Werenski has scored at least one goal in four of the Blue Jackets’ last five home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Sean Monahan has recorded at least one assist in five of his last six home appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 20 home games against opponents who are playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- Chris Kreider has scored at least one goal in each of his last four road appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Adam Fox has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Rangers’ last eight games at Nationwide Arena.
- Vincent Trocheck has recorded at least one point in each of the Rangers’ last seven games as road favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Blue Jackets vs Rangers Prediction
New York comes into this game after losing a tough game with the Penguins on Friday night and they will be on the road here. The Rangers are 12-12-2 on the road this season, while the Blue Jackets are 17-5-4 at home. Columbus has lost three games in a row and they are dealing with a few injuries to some key players, which has put a damper on a very nice start to the season. I do like backing Columbus at home, but I don’t trust their goal-scoring right now with all of the injuries. Take the Rangers to get a win here.