Rangers vs. Blue Jackets predictions, NHL picks & best bets for today

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The NHL regular season is drawing to a close with just a few games left for each team. The New York Rangers will be heading to Columbus looking to build momentum into the postseason against the Blue Jackets. Both teams are coming off losses on Thursday night, but only New York has their eyes set on the postseason.

Although these are two teams heading in opposite directions, our experts have provided their Rangers vs. Blue Jackets predictions with odds brought to you by DraftKings Sportsbook.

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We mentioned that both squads were coming off losses on Thursday night, but only one of them was expected. The Blue Jackets were torched by the New Jersey Devils in an 8-1 beatdown. That’s been the theme of their season, as they remain tied for the fewest points in the NHL.

Meanwhile, the Rangers’ loss came by the hands of the St. Louis Blues. That was not a game they were expected to lose, as St. Louis has been singing the blues this season, and were major sellers at the trade deadline. Regardless, now facing an even weaker opponent, we’re trusting New York to bounce back strong.

So, the best bet from our Rangers vs. Blue Jackets predictions is on New York’s -1.5 puck line. As mentioned, Columbus has been awful all year, and they’ve allowed the second-most goals per game. On the flip side, the Rangers have last year’s Vezina Trophy winner for the NHL’s best goalie in Igor Shesterkin minding the net.

New York also has plenty of motivation for their last three games. They sit just four points back from the Devils in the Metropolitan Division and would love that home-ice advantage in the playoffs. Given that the Devils are facing the NHL-best Boston Bruins today, this is a great opportunity for the Rangers to gain ground.

With all that in mind, our Rangers vs. Blue Jackets predictions are focused on New York winning today’s game by at least two goals. However, you could also play it safe and stick with the money line.

It’s an expensive price, but with the latest DraftKings promo, if you bet $5 on any team’s pre-game money line and they win, you’ll also win $150 in bonus bets. So, you can get the Rangers at 30/1 odds if you ahead of the game.

After taking advantage of our Rangers vs. Blue Jackets predictions, you may be wanting to look for picks in the games to come. New York has just three games left until their first playoff series, while Columbus has four games left until they pack up shop for the offseason:

New York Rangers:

• Saturday, April 8: New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets - 7 PM ET
• Monday, April 10: Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers - 7 PM ET
• Thursday, April 13: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers - 7 PM ET

Columbus Blue Jackets:

• Saturday, April 8: New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets - 7 PM ET
• Tuesday, April: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers - 7 PM ET
• Thursday, April 13: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets - 7 PM ET
• Friday, April 14: Buffalo Sabres vs. Columbus Blue Jackets - 7:30 PM ET

Join here with DraftKings Sportsbook for your chance at $150 if your first pre-game money line wager wins.

There will be a few premier matchups with more playoff implications aired on ABC this weekend. However, you can enjoy watching our Rangers vs. Blue Jackets predictions play out on NHL Power Play on ESPN+ at 7:00 PM ET.

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