In this article, we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Rangers prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, March 15th 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 31-26-8 this season after they lost to Vegas by a score of 4-0 in their last game. Columbus allowed two goals in the first period, one in the second, and one in the third in the shutout loss. The Blue Jackets were outshot by a total of 29-27, won 59.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Columbus was led by Werenski, who had four shots on goal, while Merzlikins stopped 25 out of 28 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Blue Jackets lost to the Devils by a score of 5-3 but did beat the Rangers by a score of 7-3 before that. Columbus has lost four of their last five games and they are currently tied for fourth in the Metro standings with 70 points. New York has scored 3.28 goals per game and they have allowed 3.32 goals against per game, while also going 19.7% on the power play and 75.3% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 20 goals, 49 assists, and 227 shots on goal, while Kirill Marchenko has added 25 goals, 37 assists, and 165 shots on goal. Elvis Merzlikins is 22-18-4 with a 3.04 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this year.
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers are 32-28-6 this year after they defeated Minnesota in overtime by a score of 3-2 in their last game. New York led 2-1 in the third period, but they allowed the Wild to tie the game, before winning in overtime. The Rangers outshot Minnesota by a total of 31-28, won 57.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Brodzinski, Trocheck, and Schneider, while Shesterkin stopped 26 out of 28 shots in the game.
Prior to that victory, the Rangers lost to the Jets by a score of 2-1 and the Blue Jackets by a score of 7-3. New York has lost four of their last five games and they are currently tied with Columbus in the Metro standings with 70 points. New York has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 3.05 goals against per game, while also going 19.1% on the power play and 82.2% on the penalty kill this season. Artemi Panarin has led New York with 28 goals, 41 assists, and 197 shots on goal, while Mika Zibanejad has added 15 goals, 33 assists, and 150 shots on goal this year. Igor Shesterkin is 22-22-4 with a 2.85 goals against average and a .906 save percentage this season.
Why the Blue Jackets will beat the Rangers
- The Blue Jackets have won five of their last six games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Rangers have lost four of their last five games.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in 16 of their last 17 games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine games as road favorites following an overtime win.
- The Blue Jackets have won the first period in nine of their last 10 home games following a home loss.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Rangers’ last 10 road games against Eastern Conference opponents has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Blue Jackets’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Six of the last eight night games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last seven games at Nationwide Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in 10 of the last 11 games between the Rangers and Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 14 home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Adam Fantilli has scored the last goal in three of the Blue Jackets’ last four home games.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Kent Johnson has scored a goal in four of the Blue Jackets’ last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
New York Rangers Player Prop Facts
- Artemi Panarin has scored a goal in each of the Rangers’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Mika Zibanejad has recorded at least one point in each of the Rangers’ last eight road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Adam Fox has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Rangers’ last nine games at Nationwide Arena.
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Blue Jackets vs Rangers Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup tied in the standings with 70 points, so this is a massive game for both sides. New York is 16-14-3 on the road this year, while Columbus is 20-7-4 at home. The Blue Jackets do play their best hockey on home ice, but they have allowed nine goals in their last two games and their defense has been a concern all year. New York has been a slightly better defensive team this season, but they did just allow seven goals to Columbus on March 9th. Neither team is trending in the right direction, but I think we have to take the plus money with how well the Blue Jackets play at home. Take Columbus here.