The Anaheim Ducks look for their first road win as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets. It is time to continue our NHL odds series with a Ducks-Blue Jackets prediction, pick, and how-to-watch.

The Ducks enter the game at 1-4 on the season. They have had a lot of trouble scoring goals this year. They have scored two or fewer goals in all four losses this year, with three of the games with one goal. The Ducks do have one game on the year with six goals though. That was the second game of the season against the Carolina Hurricanes where they scored six goals in the game and came away with a win.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets enter the game at 3-2 on the year. The Blue Jackets have scored well in their wins, scoring 13 goals in the three games. Still, they struggled in the two losses. In the first game of the year, thye scored just two goals in a loss to the Flyers. Then, in the third game of the year, they were shut out by the Detroit Red Wings. The Blue Jackets can score in bunches though, and will be looking to do the same again tonight.

Here are the NHL Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

NHL Odds: Ducks vs. Blue Jackets Odds

Anaheim Ducks: +122

Columbus Blue Jackets: -146

Over: 6.5 (-114)

Under: 6.5 (-106)

How to Watch Ducks vs. Blue Jackets

Time: 6:30 PM ET/ 3:30 PM PT

TV: NHLPP/ESPN+

Stream: FuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Ducks Will Win

The Ducks have been led by Frank Vatrano this year. The second-line winger has four goals this year with one assist to lead the team in both goals and points on the season. He is joined on the second line by Mason McTavish. McTavish has scored twice this year with two assists as well. Ryan Strome joins them on the line, he has four assists on the year on the second line.

Still, the top line is not scoring well. Troy Terry has the only goal from the top line, with one this year and two assists. Trevor Zergas has yet to score this year but has one assist. He has shot 17 times this year but has yet to score. Adam Henrique also does not have a goal this year, but he has two assists.

The biggest issues for the Ducks have been shots on goal and the power play. They have been over 30 shots just twice this season. They have also just one power-play goal this year. The Ducks have had 15 power-play chances this year, with the only goal being in a 2-1 loss to the Coyotes. They have also struggled on the penalty kill. They have allowed seven goals this year while man down. The major issue is they are giving up too many chances on the man down. They have given up five or more power play opportunities to opponents in every game this year, and given up 27 opportunities this year.

It is expected to be John Gibson in net today for the Ducks. He has started three games this year, going 0-3. He has a 3.06 goals-against average this year with a .907 save percentage. Gibson has had some solid games, but he is getting a lack of support. The Ducks have scored just four goals in the three games he has been in net.

Why The Blue Jackets Win

The top line leads the way for the Blue Jackets this year. Boone Jenner has led the team in goals and points this year. He has four goals and an assist on 16 shots this year. Helping him out are Johnny Gaudreau and Kirill Marchenko. Gaudreau has three assists this year but does not have a goal on 19 shots this year. Marchenko also has three assists this year, with 15 shots on goal.

Meanwhile, Justin Danforth has been solid for the Blue Jackets. He has three goals this year with an assist as well. Danforth has a plus-three rating this year as well. He is joined on the fourth line by Sean Kuraly. He has a goal this year as well on six shots.

The Blue Jackets can get shots off in bunches, but they can also struggle to get shots off. In the first game of the year, they got 54 shots off and had another game with 33. Still, they have two games under 25 shots this year. Meanwhile, they have given up plenty of shots. This year, the Blue Jackets have given up 37 or more shots three times.

The Blue Jackets also need to be better on the power play. They have just two goals this year on the power play, both coming in wins. They have two goals on 14 attempts this season. Meanwhile, they have been solid on the penalty kill, with just three goals allowed on 16 chances this year.

The Blue Jackets are expected to start Elvis Merzlikins in goal tonight. He is 2-1 this year with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. He has won the last two games he has started. Still, he was solid in the one loss. Merzlikins gave up just two goals on 35 attempts in the loss. That gave him a .943 save percentage, but he still took the loss as the Flyers scored two empty net goals.

Final Ducks-Blue Jackets Prediction & Pick

The Blue Jackets have been solid as of late. They are scoring early, and taking leads that help them command the same. Meanwhile, they are averaging four goals per game in the last two games, and have 13 goals in their wins this year. Further, Elvis Merzlikins has been the better goaltender of the two this year. He has been solid, and with how the Ducks are shooting, Merzlikins will have a solid night tonight. The other issue is the Ducks are giving up too many chances for the other power play. That will be an issue tonight and the Blue Jackets will capitalize. Expect Boone Jenner to put another one in the net tonight, most likely on the power play as the Blue Jackets take the win.

Final Ducks-Blue Jackets Prediction & Pick: Blue Jackets ML (-146)