Boston, MA
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Boston Bruins Prediction, Preview, and Odds – 12-3-2023
The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Boston Bruins with both teams on opposite ends of the standings. The Blue Jackets have an 8-13-4 record and are in last place in the Metropolitan Division while the Bruins have a 16-4-3 record and have the best record in the Atlantic Division. Both teams look to improve in the Eastern Conference and the upcoming game should be a good one.
Struggling with NHL betting? Our NHL Picks are here to help you win big!
Blue Jackets defense has let them down
The Blue Jackets are having a rough season with their offense struggling and scoring only 2.92 goals per game. Boone Jenner, Kirill Marchenko, and Johnny Gaudreau have scored 22 goals and 21 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only three skaters have six goals or more and opponents can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has let the Blue Jackets down, allowing 3.36 goals per game. Zach Werenski and Ivan Provorov have combined for 2.4 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net with ease. The bright spot has been the play of goaltender Elvis Merzlikins who has a .911 save percentage and a 3.04 goals-against average on 570 shots with 4.3 goals saved above average.
Top Cappers – Last 7 Days
Will Rogers, 19-11, $720
Bruins are carried by their great defense
The Bruins are having a great season with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.32 goals per game. David Pastrnak, Charlie Coyle, and Brad Marchand have scored 29 goals and 42 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has also been great. Pavel Zacha, James van Riemsdyk, and Matthew Poitras have combined for 18 goals and 26 assists while defenseman Charlie McAvoy has three goals and 12 assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has stepped up but the defense has led the way, allowing only 2.50 goals per game with only three goals in their last two games. Brandon Carlo and Hampus Lindholm have combined for 3.6 defensive point shares and 66 blocked shots while Charlie McAvoy and Derek Forbort have combined for 2.2 defensive point shares to give the Panthers two great defensive pairings. In addition, goaltender Jeremy Swayman has been great with a .930 save percentage and a 2.17 goals-against average on 357 shots with 9.6 goals saved above average.
Don’t fall on the ice. Our NHL Predictions are here to help all season long.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Rating:
The Blue Jackets look to pull off the upset but the Bruins look to step up on their home ice and dominate this game. The Bruins, who average 3.32 goals per game, should find the back of the net at will against the Blue Jackets, who allow 3.36 goals per game, with David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with great puck movement. The Bruins, who allow only 2.50 goals per game, should limit the Blue Jackets offense with Hampus Lindholm, Charlie McAvoy, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Jeremy Swayman to make plenty of big saves. The Bruins should win the game and cover the spread in a decisive victory on their home ice.
Prediction: Bruins -1.5 (-120)
Want a second opinion on this pick?
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Rating:
The Bruins are led by their defense and both defensive units look to step up and control this game from the opening puck drop. The Blue Jackets should limit the Bruins offense with Zach Werenski, Ivan Provorov, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Elvis Merzlikins to make plenty of big saves. The Bruins, who have only allowed three goals in their last two games, should eliminate and potentially shut out the Blue Jackets, who average only 2.92 goals per game, with Hampus Lindholm, Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy, and the rest of the defensive unit forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive zone while goaltender Jeremy Swayman blanks the shots on the net. The Under should cover in a low-scoring game with both defenses stepping up.
Take the Under on 6 goals.
Prediction: Under 6