The Columbus Blue Jackets face the New York Rangers and of the six games scheduled for Friday night, this is definitely going to be the game to watch. The Blue Jackets have won four of their first six games while the Rangers have won four of their first seven games and both teams are near the top of the Metropolitan Division. Those who will be watching this game will be inclined to place a few bets down and looking at these two rosters, there are a handful of bets that can lead to a good profit.
| Blue Jackets stat line | 3.17 goals per game | 2.50 goals against per game |
| Rangers stat line | 2.14 goals per game | 2.57 goals against per game |
Blue Jackets (+150)
The Blue Jackets have played great across the ice to start the season and have provided a great profit in the process as they are often betting Underdogs in their matchups. The Rangers are expected to finish the season as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference but the Blue Jackets can find mismatches on both ends of the ice.
The Blue Jackets should pile on the goals with a strong offensive zone presence with Boone Jenner and Oliver Bjorkstrand creating scoring chances near the net. Additionally, the Blue Jackets should create space at the point for defenseman Zach Werenski, who has two goals and four assists, to find the back of the net. On the defensive side of the ice, the Blue Jackets look to eliminate the Rangers offense with defensemen Jake Bean and Werenski stepping up at the blue line to eliminate passes into the offensive zone while Elvis Merzlikins continues to play well in the net.
The Blue Jackets will win this game and provide great odds as road Underdogs.
Under 5.5
These two teams are led by their defensive units and goaltending and the upcoming game should reflect that with both defensive units in control from the opening puck drop. The Rangers, led by reigning Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox should create turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone alike while Igor Shesterkin, who has a .933 save percentage and a 2.17 goals-against average on 165 shots continue to dominate in the net and eliminate many of the Blue Jackets scoring opportunities. The Blue Jackets meanwhile, look to eliminate and potentially shut out the Rangers struggling offense with Jake Bean, Zach Werenski, Vladislav Gavrikov, and the rest of the defensive unit controlling the defensive zone and forcing tough shots on the net, which can easily be saved by goaltender Elvis Merzlikins who has a .952 save percentage and a 1.47 goals-against average on 126 shots.
The Under will cover in a game controlled by both defenses.
First Period Winner – Blue Jackets (+120)
For those who want to bet on the Blue Jackets but aren’t confident in them holding on to a lead, the first-period bet looks to be the way to go. The Blue Jackets have gotten off to strong starts this season, outscoring their opponents 3-2 in the first period led by an aggressive offense from Patrik Laine and Boone Jenner while Elvis Merlikins starts off games playing well in the net. The Rangers, on the other hand, have struggled to start off games with the offense struggling in the first 20 minutes while Igor Shesterkin needs to settle into the game, allowing opponents to attack the Rangers early in every game.
The Blue Jackets will take an early first-period lead and provide an excellent payout in doing so.
Highest Scoring Period – Third Period (+200)
This season, both teams have piled on the goals late in games. The Blue Jackets have scored seven goals in the third period and allowed nine goals with the defensive unit allowing for opponents to skate into the offensive zone and fire shots off of a tired goaltender. The Rangers meanwhile, have scored nine goals in the third period, the most of any period this season largely from Artemi Panarin and the Rangers forwards ability to make plays on the odd-man rush and in space against exhausted defenses. In this game, both teams should pile on the goals late in the game, especially if one team has a one-goal lead late in the game, allowing for an empty-net goal opportunity.
The third and final period will be the highest scoring in the game with both teams constantly finding the back of the net.
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