In this article, we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Stars prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, February 25th 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 27-22-8 this year after they defeated Chicago by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Columbus had their lead cut to 2-1 in the second period, but they scored the last three goals in the game to pull away with the win. The Blue Jackets were outshot by a total of 28-21, won 63.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-1 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Fantilli, Johnson (2), Mateychuk, and Werenski, while Merzlikins stopped 27 out of 28 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Blue Jackets lost to the Rangers by a score of 4-3 and the Hockey Club by a score of 3-2. Columbus has lost four of their last five games and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 61 points. Columbus has scored 3.25 goals per game and they have allowed 3.26 goals against per game, while also averaging 75.3% on the penalty kill and 21.6% on the power play this season. Zach Werenski has led Columbus with 18 goals, 44 assists, and 205 shots on goal, while Kirill Marchenko has added 21 goals, 35 assists, and 145 shots on goal. Elvis Merzlikins is 20-14-4 with a 2.94 goals-against average and an .897 save percentage this year.
Dallas Stars Betting Preview
The Dallas Stars are 37-18-2 this season after they defeated the Islanders by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Dallas led 4-2 after the second period, but they barely hung on for the win in the third. The Stars were outshot by a total of 37-29, won 50.8% of the face-offs, and went 2-4 on the power play in the game. Dallas got goals from Robertson (3) and Steel, while Oettinger stopped 34 out of 37 shots in the win.
Prior to that game, the Stars defeated the Devils by a score of 4-2 and the Sharks by a score of 8-3. Dallas has won three games in a row and they are currently second in the Central standings with 76 points. Dallas has scored 3.30 goals per game and they have allowed 2.51 goals against per game, while also averaging 20.6% on the power play and 85% on the penalty kill this season. Matt Duchene has led Dallas with 23 goals, 36 assists, and 107 shots on goal, while Jason Robertson has added 23 goals, 31 assists, and 156 shots on goal. Jake Oettinger is 27-12-2 with a 2.37 goals against average and a .912 save percentage this year.
Why the Blue Jackets will beat the Stars
- The Blue Jackets have won six of their last seven games as home underdogs against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last nine games as home underdogs.
- The Stars have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games at Nationwide Arena.
- The home team has won the first period in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four games.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Stars’ last eight games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Six of the Blue Jackets’ last seven games as home underdogs following a win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 12 of the Blue Jackets’ last 13 home games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in five of the Stars’ last six road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Kirill Marchenko has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances with the Blue Jackets as home underdogs.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four home games against Central Division opponents.
- Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 22 home games.
Dallas Stars Player Prop Facts
- Jason Robertson has recorded at least one point in seven of his last eight appearances against the Blue Jackets.
- Tyler Seguin has scored a goal in four of his last five appearances with the Stars as road favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Miro Heiskanen has recorded an assist in each of his last five appearances after playing less than 20 minutes in the Stars’ last game.
Blue Jackets vs Stars Prediction
Dallas comes into this contest looking for their fourth win in a row, but they will be on the road for this game. The Stars are 17-11-1 on the road this year, while the Blue Jackets are 18-6-4 at home. Columbus snapped their losing streak against Chicago in their last game and they are getting healthier, which was an issue prior to the break. The Blue Jackets have struggled over the last few weeks, but they have one of the best home records in the NHL. Dallas is the better team when looking at the metrics, but I think this Columbus team is very dangerous with Marchenko in the lineup and I am taking them with the plus money here.