The Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets play the second of a home-and-home set on Monday night in Ohio. It's time to continue our NHL odds series with a Bruins-Blue Jackets prediction and pick.
The Bruins beat the Blue Jackets 5-2 on Saturday night at TD Garden. Erik Haula opened the scoring for the Bruins to make it 1-0. Then, Gustav Nyquist tied it up late in the first period. Columbus struck again when Justin Danforth scored early in the second, giving the Blue Jackets the 2-1 advantage. However, Boston would not give up. Brad Marchand fired a shot past goalie Elvis Merzlikins to square the game at two.
In the third period, the Bruins and Blue Jackets battled for over 16 minutes with neither team making a mark. However, the Bruins capitalized with under four minutes to play when Haula struck again, scoring a goal to make it 3-2 Bruins. Soon, the Blue Jackets pulled their goalie in favor of an extra attacker, but they were unable to take advantage. Once Boston took the puck, Jake DeBrusk fired it into the open net for the goal that ultimately decided the game. Additionally, the Bruins tallied one more goal to finish off a 5-2 victory. The Bruins have won two in a row, while the Blue Jackets have lost six in a row.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Bruins-Blue Jackets odds.
NHL Odds: Bruins-Blue Jackets Odds
Bruins: -1.5 (+104)
Blue Jackets: +1.5 (-125)
Over: 6.5 (-108)
Under: 6.5 (-112)
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Why The Bruins Could Cover The Spread
Boston is pressing the gas pedal on its way to the playoffs. With 14 games left to play, the Bruins are not in real danger of missing the playoffs. However, there is seeding to play for, and the Bruins can catch the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning to move up in the standings. To do that, the Bruins must play to their strengths.
The Bruins are a solid defensive team. To emphasize, Boston protects the net well and blocks shots in front of whoever tends the net. Because of this, it has helped Boston goalies excel.
Jeremy Swayman is 20-9-3 with a 2.23 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. Likewise, backup goalie Linus Ullmark is 21-9-2 with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. The Bruins defend well in front of each goalie. It has allowed both goalies to confidently play to their strengths.
The Bruins also thrive on the power play. Thus, Boston ranks sixth in the NHL in power-play percentage. One component of this is David Pastrnak. On the season, Pastrnak has scored 14 power-play goals.
To summarize, the Bruins will cover the spread if they can block shots in front of the net. Also, if they can capitalize on the extra man attack, the Bruins will thrive. Lastly, Boston will cover if Pastrnak gets going and has a big game. He is the key to their success and one of the best players in the NHL.
Why The Blue Jackets Could Cover The Spread
Columbus has struggled all season, but they played a close game with the Bruins a few weeks ago and just played them tough over the weekend. Also, the Blue Jackets typically play the Bruins tough. The teams have split the last 10 games, with each team winning five. So, this means Columbus has a chance. They will have to work for it. To do that, the Blue Jackets need to outhit the Bruins and win the gritty puck battles. They must establish dominance early and often. In the 5-4 shootout loss last month, the only reason the game was close was physicality.
The Blue Jackets won the hit battle 28-20 and edged out the Bruins in faceoffs. However, Columbus allowed 32 shots on goal while shooting 24 times. In addition to physicality, the Jackets must find a way to get the puck to the net. Thus, Patrick Laine and Jakub Voracek need to contribute. Both men were once All-Stars. This season, Laine has scored 25 goals with 26 assists. Meanwhile, Voracek has added five goals with 44 assists. To keep up with the Bruins, both men must step up.
Ultimately, the Blue Jackets will cover the spread if they can outhit the Bruins. Additionally, they must prevent shots from getting to the net. Lastly, Laine and Voracek must step up and bring their best games.
Final Bruins-Blue Jackets Prediction & Pick
The Bruins are rolling into the playoffs, while the Blue Jackets will miss the postseason dance once again. There was trepidation on this pick only because these two teams just met on Saturday. Despite that, the pick is based on talent and momentum. Thus, one team has much to play for while the other is floundering. The Bruins will win and cover the spread.
Final Bruins-Blue Jackets Prediction & Pick: Bruins -1.5 (+104)
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