Winnipeg Jets vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction 1-9-24 NHL Picks

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets meet in NHL action from the Canada Life Centre on Tuesday night. Can Columbus pick up a big road upset? Or will Winnipeg defend home ice? Let’s dive in and find out with our Blue Jackets vs. Jets Prediction.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets come into this one looking to rebound from a 4-3 OT loss to Minnesota last time out. Zach Werenski leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 25 points including a team-high 24 assists while Johnny Gaudreau has 25 points with 18 assists. Kirill Marchenko has 22 points with a team-high 13 goals and Adam Fantilli has 24 points with 11 goals and 13 assists. Ivan Provorov has 21 points with 19 assists and Boone Jenner has 18 points with 13 goals of his own. Elvis Merzlikins has gone 7-8-6 in goal for Columbus with a 3.25 GAA and a .907 save percentage while Spencer Martin is 3-8-1 with a 3.65 GAA and an .887 save percentage this season.

Columbus Blue Jackets Team Facts

• The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last 11 games against opponents on a winning streak.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in each of their last seven games as underdogs against the Jets.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in 13 of their last 15 games against opponents on a winning streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last nine games against Central Division opponents.

Winnipeg Jets Team Preview

The Winnipeg Jets come into this game looking to build on their six-game win streak after a 6-2 win over Arizona last time out. Mark Scheifele has a team-high 40 points with 14 goals and 26 assists while Kyle Connor has 28 points with a team-high 17 goals and 11 assists. Josh Morrissey has 30 points with 24 assists of his own while Nikolaj Ehlers has 31 points with 14 goals and 17 assists and Cole Perfetti also has 26 points with 12 goals and 14 assists. Nino Niederreiter also has 24 points with 12 goals this season. Connor Hellebuyck has gone 20-6-3 with a 2.27 GAA and an .921 save percentage in goal for Winnipeg while Laurent Brossoit is 6-3-1 with a 2.30 GAA and an .920 save percentage this season.

Winnipeg Jets Team Facts

• The Jets have won each of their last six games.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the last 11 games between the Blue Jackets and Jets.
• The Jets have won the third period in nine of their last 10 games following a road win.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in seven of the last eight games between the Blue Jackets and Jets at Canada Life Centre.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Winnipeg Jets rank 1st in the league for goals against per game this season (2.38).
• The Winnipeg Jets are one of three teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
• The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 30th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.63).
• The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 25th in the league in power play percentage this season (14.91%).

Blue Jackets vs. Jets Prediction

I’m backing the Jets here. I know the Blue Jackets have been really good on the puck line on the road this season and have played a lot of OT games as of late, but I have to think that has to be taxing on this Columbus team to have so much hockey played in such a short timeframe. Winnipeg’s been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL so far this season and I think they get the job done at home here.