We have a Blue Jackets vs. Bruins prediction as Columbus travels to TD Garden in Boston for this Thursday’s NHL matchup.
The Blue Jackets are a mess.
They’ve had four significant contributors suffer injuries over the past week, including Nick Blankenburg (ankle, week-to-week), Erik Gudbranson (shoulder, out six weeks), Patrik Laine (triceps, out two-to-four weeks), and Mathieu Olivier (leg, out two-to-four weeks).
Meanwhile, the Bruins want to bounce back off a flukey loss to Nashville.
The Predators won 2-1, but Money Puck’s post-game expectancy model projects the Bruins win that game 71% of the time over 1000 simulations.
Either way, Tuesday’s results have nothing to do with Thursday’s matchup, where the Bruins are monstrous betting favorites.
So, read on for the odds alongside my pick and prediction for Blue Jackets vs. Bruins.
Blue Jackets vs. Bruins odds
Moneyline: Blue Jackets (+360) vs. Bruins (-480)
Spread: Blue Jakets +1.5 (+150) vs. Bruins -1.5 (-178)
Total: Over 6.5 (-120) | Under 6.5 (+100)
Blue Jackets vs. Bruins prediction
(7 p.m. ET., ESPN+)
It’s near-impossible to bet on a side for this game.
The Blue Jackets are banged up and actively sliding toward the top overall NHL draft pick, but it’s also unwise to lay over -400 on the ML with any NHL favorite.
However, the over is interesting.
The Jackets’ injuries are brutal, but two, in particular, stand out – Gudbranson and Blankenburg.
These are two of Columbus’ highest-usage defenders, even playing on a line together most nights.
The Blue Jackets are not a deep hockey team, so shutting those two down means you’re pushing less-experienced defenders on the ice.
Predictably, the results have been disastrous. In the two games after Columbus shut down the pairing, the Blue Jackets allowed eight goals to the Canadiens and six to the Rangers.
Of course, it doesn’t help when your goalie trio has combined for -36.4 Goals Saved Above Expected, per Money Puck.
Meanwhile, we should expect the Bruins to push the pace here. They’re due for some slight positive regression after the Nashville loss and likely want to bounce back.
Even if the Bruins sit some top players, they have enough depth to score on the Blue Jackets’ severely shorthanded defense.
The Blue Jackets’ offense isn’t much better, but they’ve scored 18 goals over the past five games (3.6 goals per game).
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Meanwhile, it’s Jeremy Swayman’s turn in the net for the Bruins.
Boston’s backup goalie is a quality netminder, but he is a step-down from starter Linus Ullmark, providing a small glimmer of hope for Columbus’ forwards.
So, ultimately, I expect fireworks in this game.
We could see 10 goals here if the Blue Jackets continue to trend as they have been.
So, I’ll be betting on the over, looking for the Bruins’ forwards to cut right through Columbus’ weak defense and goaltending while Columbus sneaks at least one past Swayman on the other end.
Blue Jackets vs. Bruins pick
Over 6.5 (-120) at Caesars Sportsbook