Blue Jackets vs. Stars Odds
| Blue Jackets Odds | +220 |
| Stars Odds | -270 |
| Over / Under | 6 -115 / -105 |
The Columbus Blue Jackets head south to take on the Dallas Stars. After going down 2-0 to the Islanders on Saturday, the Jackets will aim to end their three game losing streak. It’s been an up and down season for them so far, so tonight will be pivotal to get back on the wagon.
It was only a matter of time until the Stars took a loss in regulation. Dallas fell to the Maple Leafs on Thursday 4-1, and have an exemplary record of 5-1-1. The Stars will be looking to get back to their winning ways in front of a hometown crowd tonight.
Here’s a look at the odds, as well as my betting prediction between the Jackets and Stars.
Columbus Blue Jackets
It’s been a grind for a lot of Columbus’ top players. Patrik Laine hasn’t played in a week and his status is uncertain, while Johnny Gaudreau has yet to find the back of the net. Their leading scorer is Jack Roslovic who’s averaging just under a point per game, and Emil Bemstrom has been their hottest goal scorer with three goals in the last three games.
Columbus usually has a hard time driving play, as it’s 23rd in expected goals with a 47.34 xGF%. In turn, the Jackets don’t even generate a ton of high danger opportunities. Defensively, they’re just as bad, with a 2.95 xGA/60.
With their ineffectiveness on the offensive end, Columbus only scores on the power play at a 17.86% clip. It’s a little bit better though on the penalty kill, succeeding 82% of the time.
Both Elvis Merzlikins and Spencer Martin have been a welcome sight for Blue Jackets fans. Since Martin started against the Isles, I’d assume Merzlikins takes the crease in this bout. He’s had himself a solid start so far after a disastrous 22-23 season, playing to a .903 SV% and a -1.2 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are as complete as it gets. After nearly making the Stanley Cup Finals, this is a year that will be huge. Joe Pavelski shows no signs of slowing down at the ripe age of 39, leading the team in scoring, while Wyatt Johnston is having himself a solid start to his sophomore season. To go with that, Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson showed incredible chemistry in the playoffs last season.
Dallas are among the best play drivers in the league. The Stars are second with an impressive 57.01 xGF%, though they don’t create a ton of high danger chances. With such a strong defensive core, they’re fourth with a 2.24 xGA/60.
Having the man advantage is usually a strength for the Stars, but they’ve yet to convert on a consistent basis at 11%. The penalty kill’s perfect streak ended against Toronto, which is no surprise since the Leafs’ power play is dynamite. Regardless, the Stars have an elite penalty kill at 94% so far.
Jake Oettinger will be in net tonight, as Scott Wedgewood started against the Maple Leafs. Oettinger has been as elite as it gets in his fourth full season, playing to a staggering .952 SV% and a +6.2 GSAx.
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Blue Jackets vs. Stars
Betting Pick & Prediction
Both teams are coming in with some sort of chip on their shoulder. Dallas ended its undefeated in regulation streak, whereas the Blue Jackets have lost three in a row, including getting shut out most recently.
It’s no surprise that the Stars are the better team here though. While I’m encouraged with how Columbus’ goaltending situation is progressing, the Stars’ firepower will be far too much not just for them, but the lacking defensive system in place. What’s crazy is that Dallas’ main guys in Robertson and Hintz haven’t even hit their stride yet.
Missing Laine has hurt them, and Gaudreau’s struggles have not been helpful one bit. While Dallas is a favorite to win the Stanley Cup. FanDuel has the Stars puck line at plus-value which is incredibly valuable in my eyes. The Stars are by far the better team, and I’d jump in as quick as possible.
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