The Prudential Center is the site for a Metro Division showdown as the Columbus Blue Jackets visit New Jersey to meet the Devils. Fox Sports Ohio will showcase the matchup, and the opening face-off is at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 8.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils Odds
Columbus is 17-11 straight up (SU) and has netted moneyline bettors 2.9 units this season. Through 28 regular season contests, 15 of its games have gone under the total, while 12 have gone over and just one has pushed. This 2017-18 Blue Jackets team is 7-6 SU on the road.
Columbus has converted on just 8.5 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 32nd in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked fourth overall, and it’s successfully killed off 84.1 percent of its penalties.
Columbus, as a collective unit, has been sent to the penalty box just 2.8 times per game this season, and 2.0 per game over its last five road outings. The team’s been forced to defend opponent power plays just 4.8 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Averaging 27.9 saves per game with a .929 save percentage, Sergei Bobrovsky (14-8-1) has been the best option in goal for Columbus this year. If Columbus chooses to rest him, however, head coach John Tortorella might turn to Joonas Korpisalo (3-3 record, .907 save percentage, 2.81 goals against average).
Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson will both look to continue their strong seasons for the visiting Blue Jackets. Panarin has 20 points on seven goals and 13 assists, and has recorded multiple points in three different games. Anderson has 10 goals and seven assists to his credit (and has notched at least one point in 14 games).
On the other bench, New Jersey is 16-11 straight up (SU) and has earned 8.6 units for moneyline bettors this season. Through 27 regular season outings, 13 of its games have gone over the total, while another 13 have gone under and just one has pushed. This season, the team is 6-6 SU at home.
New Jersey has converted on 21.4 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked eighth overall, and it’s successfully killed off 82.4 percent of all opponent power plays.
New Jersey skaters have been whistled for penalties 4.3 times per game in total this season, and 3.6 per game over their last ten games. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 7.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Cory Schneider has stopped 30.6 shots per game as the primary choice in goal for New Jersey. Schneider has 12 wins, eight losses, and three overtime losses and has registered a .923 save percentage and 2.60 goals against average this season.
Taylor Hall (nine goals, 20 assists) will lead the offensive attack for the Devils.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils Betting Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Blue Jackets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Trends
The under has hit in three of New Jersey’s last five games.
Columbus has attempted 35.1 shots per game overall this season (the second-most in the NHL), and 31.8 in its last five road games.
The Blue Jackets are 8-6 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 13-9 in games where they serve fewer than 10 penalty minutes, in total.
New Jersey is 2-2 in games decided by a shootout this season while Columbus is 3-1 in shootouts.
New Jersey is ranked 11th this season with 8.1 takeaways per game. That figure has trended lower lately, however, as it has created 7.2 takeaways over its last 10 games and 5.6 takeaways over its last five.
Columbus skaters have created 4.8 takeaways per game over its last five road games, a drop-off from its season average of 7.5 takeaways per game (ranked 17th in the NHL).
