Rangers vs Blue Jackets Prediction, Odds and Picks, Jan. 16
Rangers Laying Big Number in Columbus
The New York Rangers are clearly the better team in their Monday matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets. They’re third in the Metropolitan Division with 55 points, while the Blue Jackets are dead-last with just 28.
The main question those who bet online are asking is whether or not the Rangers are worth the big price on Monday. They’re a -200 favorite in the sportsbook and if they don’t deliver, that could prove to be a costly outcome for bettors.
Let’s check the latest NHL odds, stats, injury reports, and NHL lines for Rangers vs Blue Jackets. We’ve plenty of NHL betting odds for you to consider.
Rangers Offense On a Roll
The Rangers are 5-1-1 in their last seven games, and while they are getting solid play at the back end from goaltender Igor Shesterkin, it’s been the offense that’s perked up of late.
On the season, the Rangers’ offense is right in the middle of the pack at 3.21 goals per game (14th). However, they’re up to 3.43 over their last seven contests, scoring four or more four times.
Artemi Panarin, Mike Zibanejad and Adam Fox each have over 40 points for this team and there are seven players with at least 23 markers on the season. They have skill and depth.
Panarin has led the way, notching a point in five of the team’s last seven games. He should be fired up here to face his former team.
Blue Jackets Defense Horrendous
There’s not much that the Blue Jackets do very well. That’s why those making their NHL picks might be wise to avoid them in their bet slip.
This team is third-last in both goals scored per game and allowed, which puts them at a -1.48 gap per game. That means bettors should be thinking about playing the puck line on their opponent almost every night.
The team has been relying on Elvis Merzlikins as their primary netminder of late and that hasn’t gone well. He has a paltry .867 save percentage on the season, although it’s slightly improved to .877 this month.
Merzlikins has allowed at least three goals in seven of his last nine outings, allowing five or more in four of those games. If he’s in net, this is not a team you’ll want to bet in the sportsbook.
Rangers vs Blue Jackets Game Injuries
Rangers vs Blue Jackets Head-to-Head
The Blue Jackets have just 13 wins on the season, but one came against the Rangers earlier in the year. It might be one of their best outings, scoring a 5-1 victory.
Rangers vs Blue Jackets Game Information
- Game: Rangers (24-13-7) vs Blue Jackets (13-27-2)
- Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
- Day/Time: Monday, Jan. 16, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Rangers vs Blue Jackets Live stream:NHL.TV
Rangers vs Blue Jackets Betting Lines
Rangers vs Blue Jackets Picks & Prediction
The Blue Jackets hammered the Rangers 5-1 earlier in the year, but it’s hard to see them duplicating that effort again. They’re a miserable franchise right now while the Rangers are playing well.
There’s no question that the -200 price tag will make some bettors queasy. If that’s the case, consider the over, as Columbus will likely allow at least three or four goals in this one.
New York is listed at -200 in our Vegas lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Rangers, you have a chance to win $50. Columbus is +170, offering a chance to win $170 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Rangers a 66.67% chance to win, with the Blue Jackets at 37.04%.
