Making on a bet on this NHL game featuring the Predators versus the Blue Jackets? The puck drops at 12:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. The Predators are the -1.5 goal favorites in this non-conference matchup against Blue Jackets. The over/under for the game is set at 6.5 goals.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5

This game will be played at Nationwide Arena at 12:30 ET on Saturday, March 9th.

WHY BET THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS:

  • Despite being 1.5 goal underdogs, we predict the Blue Jackets to come out on top with a final score of 4-2.
  • We like the Blue Jackets on the moneyline (+133)
  • The Blue Jackets are also our pick on the spread at +1.5

Can the Predators Lock in a Road Win?

When playing on the road this season, the Predators have gone 18-10-2, and they have won their last five road games. In the Western Conference, Nashville is in 7th place and 4th in the Central Division. Overall, the Predators have a record of 36-25-3.

Over their last ten games, Nashville has gone 9-1, and they have won four of their last five games. As the favorite, the Predators have gone 17-9-1 this year, and they have been favored in 27 of their 64 games.

When favored, the Predators have a puck line record of 12-15, and they have gone 24-13 against the puck line as the underdog. So far, Nashville has gone 36-28 on the puck line this season.

On the road, the Predators have a puck line record of 19-11, and they have won six straight games against the puck line. This season, Nashville has an average scoring margin of +.3 goals per game on the road.

The average goal total for Nashville’s games is sitting at 6.3. The average over/under line for the season is 6.2. The Predators come in with an over/under record of 28-30-6.

Nashville has played well in their previous three road games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 4 goals per game while allowing 1. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 3-0.

In terms of their offensive performance, the Predators are averaging 3.2 goals per game this season, putting them in the 12th spot in the NHL. When it comes to shots on goal per game, they are ranked 12th in the league. Coming into the game, the Predators have a 18-13 record when they have more shots on goal than their opponent. When they have fewer shots on goal, they are 17-12.

Nashville’s leading scorer is Filip Forsberg. So far, he has 33 goals which is 10th in the NHL. Forsberg also comes into the game with 34 assists.

Defensively, the Blue Jackets come into the season ranked 4th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 33 shots per game against Columbus. For the season, they are ranked 29th in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.

Entering the game, goalie Kevin Lankinen has started 12 games this season. His current record stands at 8-4, and his save percentage is 0.398%.

Does Columbus Have What it Takes to Win as Home Underdogs?

At 54 points, the Blue Jackets are in 16th place in the Eastern Conference. In the Metropolitan Division, Columbus is 8th with a record of 4-16. Over their last ten games, the Blue Jackets are 5-5.

Heading into the game, the Blue Jackets have won two straight games at home and are 12-16-4 this season at Nationwide Arena. As the underdog, Columbus is 19-29-9 this season.

At home, Columbus has gone 17-15 against the puck line this season, and they have a puck line record of 36-27 overall. So far, the Blue Jackets have gone 34-23 against the puck line as the underdog, and they have 14 wins by multiple goals.

Over their last ten home games, the Blue Jackets have a puck line record of 6-4, and their average scoring margin at home is -.5 goals per game. Columbus has gone 2-1 against the puck line in their last three games at home, and they have 25 losses by more than one goal this season.

This season, Columbus’ games are averaging 6.7 goals per game. Their average over/under line is 6.5. The Blue Jackets currently have an over/under record of 31-29-3.

Nashville has played well in their previous three road games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 4 goals per game while allowing 1. The team also performed well vs the puck line at 3-0.

On offense, the Blue Jackets are averaging 3 goals per game which is 21st in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 20th in the league. In terms of the Blue Jackets’ offense during power plays, they are 32nd in power play goals and 23rd in shorthanded goals.

The leading scorer for Columbus’ offense is Boone Jenner. Coming into the game he has 19 goals, ranking 83rd in the NHL. Jenner also comes into the game with 10 assists.

The Blue Jackets defense is currently 4th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 33 shots per game against Columbus. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 29th with 1 shutouts.

Heading into this matchup vs. Nashville, goalie Elvis Merzlikins has started 34 games in this season. His current record is 12-13, and his save percentage stands at 0.806%.