Wild vs. Blue Jackets Prediction and Odds (Back Blue Jackets in High-Scoring Contest)
By Joe Summers
The 28-26-3 Columbus Blue Jackets host the 33-19-3 Minnesota Wild tonight at 7:00 PM EST in desperate need of a win.
Columbus has lost four in a row after a strong February and have given up at least 5 goals in three straight. The Wild, meanwhile, have won two straight after enduring a 1-6 stretch and have 23 combined goals in their last five matchups.
The over has been a great bet for these teams, as its 36-19-1 in Minnesota's matches and 36-19-3 when the Blue Jackets play.
Should bettors look to the total for value in this one or will one of these squads prove a valuable play?
Let's check out the odds over at WynnBET to help us find out:
Wild vs Blue Jackets Odds and Total
Moneyline:
- Wild -210
- Blue Jackets +170
Puck line:
- Wild -1.5 (+120)
- Blue Jackets +1.5 (-140)
Total:
- 6.5 (Over -140/Under +120)
Wild vs Blue Jackets Prediction and Pick
Minnesota has been a great team to fade away from home. They're 2-5 in their last seven road matches and just 12-20 on the puck line on the year, but Columbus has dropped three straight home games as their defense is getting obliterated.
The Blue Jackets have a shot differential of -351 on the season while the Wild are at 16. If Columbus doesn't get great goalie play they're in trouble. Unfortunately, starting goalie Elvis Merzlikins is on the injured reserve and the Blue Jackets' backups haven't been able to stop opponents.
Even still, this line is too big for me. Columbus has an excellent offense and are capable of keeping pace with the Wild's high-powered attack.
I'll take a shot on the Blue Jackets' moneyline, which I think should be closer to +140, but I'll also be playing the over. It's 7-1 in the Wild's last eight road games and has hit in four straight Blue Jackets home contests. Columbus can hang around and with these offenses, we should see another high-scoring affair.
Pick: Blue Jackets +170 and Over 6.5 (-140)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.