Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, 3/14/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH

TV: Bally Sports Ohio

Odds/Point Spread: Senators (-106) Blue Jackets (-115)

The Columbus Blue Jackets (22-33-10) will compete against the Ottawa Senators (26-33-4) at Nationwide Arena on Thursday. The odds on this game have Ottawa at -106 and Columbus is priced at -115. The over/under is set at 7.

The Ottawa Senators were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 2-1 win over the Penguins in their previous outing. Ottawa garnered 9 mins in the box in this outing. The Senators had a rough night on the offensive side of the ice in this victory. Moreover, they had 2 opportunities with more players on the ice but weren't able to convert one of them into a goal. For the game, they scored on 2 out of the 39 shots they put on goal.

In relation to their goal scoring prowess, the Ottawa Senators have notched 200 goals (17th in the league) on the campaign and have given up 221. For the season, they have 56 points and their points percentage sits at .444. Ottawa skates onto the rink with 219 power play chances and they have notched 36 goals during those advantages, garnering them a rate of 16.44%. When at even strength, the Senators have conceded 172 goals while earning 164 on offense. Ottawa has tried 2,036 shots and holds a shot percentage of 9.8%. The Senators have had 1,881 shots attempted against them and have earned a save percentage of .883. Ottawa Senators opponents have tallied 187 power play opportunities (24th in pro hockey) and have earned 49 goals in those chances.

Patrolling the crease for the game will be Joonas Korpisalo. Korpisalo has participated in 263 matchups throughout his NHL career. He has accumulated a mark of 108-101-29 and he started in 238 games. The opposition has scored 741 goals versus Korpisalo in his pro hockey career and his goals against rate is 3.06. Korpisalo has seen 7,535 shot attempts against him and has amassed 6,794 saves. His save percentage currently sits at .902 during his 14,525 mins between the pipes. Over the course of his pro career, Korpisalo has accumulated 115 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .483.

The last time they were on the ice, Columbus played the Canadiens in a matchup where the Blue Jackets were on the wrong end of the score by a final score of 3-0. They had 4 power play opportunities in this one but weren't able to put one in the back of the net. The Blue Jackets recorded 0 goals of the 41 shots on goal they attempted.

During this campaign, the Columbus Blue Jackets have a total of 190 goals, 54 points, and a points percentage of .415. They have allowed 234 goals to be scored by way of 190 goals at even strength and 44 goals while they were shorthanded. The Blue Jackets have accumulated 165 goals at even strength and 25 goals (32nd in the NHL) while having a power play advantage. They have a total of 180 power play chances and they have earned a power play rate of 13.89%. Columbus has tried 1,978 shots (19th in hockey) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 9.61%, while allowing their opponents 2,172 shots. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 76.47% on their opponents 187 power play tries, and their save percentage is 89.2%.

Across the ice you will find Elvis Merzlikins patrolling the crease. Merzlikins has compiled a career record of 67-76-29 and has participated in 186 games. Merzlikins' percentage of quality starts comes out to 47.7% and he has qualified for 82 quality starting assignments in his pro career. He has accounted for 5,102 saves out of 5,637 shots tried, giving him a save percentage of .905. Opponents are averaging 3.17 goals per game and he has yielded 535 goals overall. He has been a starter 172 games and has racked up 10,142 minutes.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Ottawa (-106)

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