Senators vs Blue Jackets Betting Analysis and Prediction

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01 December 2023

Senators vs Blue Jackets Betting Analysis and Prediction

The Ottawa Senators (8-9-0), eighth place in the NHL standings for the Atlantic Division, hope to end a two-game losing streak on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets (7-13-4), eighth in the Metropolitan Division. It’s one of only two NHL matchups on the NHL schedule today. The two teams have yet to play this season.

Senators vs Blue JacketsPicks

The Senators are 3-1 ATS on the road.

Pick: Senators -1.5 (+165)

Joonas Korpisalo (3.34 GAA, .902 save percentage), a former Blue Jacket, is the projected starting goaltender for the Senators. Elvis Merzlikins (3.11 GAA, .907 save percentage) is expected to start in goal for the Blue Jackets. Let’s take a closer look at the Senators vs. Blue Jackets betting analysis.

Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Odds

Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Information

Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio

Date & Time: Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m. ET

How to Watch: ESPN+ and TSN5 (Canada)

Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Recent Scores

Ottawa was among the NHL picks to show the biggest improvement this season, but that hasn’t happened. They’re 5-5 in their last 10 games and have lost two in a row to the Florida Panthers and New York Islanders by a combined score of 10-3.

The Blue Jackets have also been awful again this season, although there have been some positive signs lately. They’re 3-2 in their last five games with wins over the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils.

Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Analysis

Senators Playing for Coach DJ Smith’s Job

Senators coach DJ Smith is hoping his team comes out ahead in the Senators vs. Blue Jackets betting analysis as his job may be on the line. Ottawa is without a permanent GM right now after Pierre Dorion was fired last month and Smith could be on his way out if the team doesn’t show improvement in NHL stats. Ottawa is sixth in goals per game (3.47), but they rank 24th in goals allowed (3.47) and are 25th in penalty kill percentage at 74.6. They also take the most penalty minutes in the league, which isn’t a recipe for successful Ottawa Senators picks.

Tim Stutzle leads the Senators in NHL player stats with 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists), while Claude Giroux is second with 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists). Brady Tkachuk leads the team with 10 goals.

Blue Jackets Can’t Seem to Maintain Momentum

The Columbus Blue Jackets odds have been unfavorable in most NHL games this season and for good reason. They have a solid roster, but have been unable to get consistent play from stars Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine, who rank fifth and 15th in team scoring, respectively. That’s simply unacceptable for two of the highest-paid forwards in the league. Captain Boone Jenner leads the team in scoring with 16 points (11 goals, 5 assists).

Columbus has beaten some good teams this season, but then can’t seem to carry over that momentum into subsequent games. After beating the Bruins on Monday, they lost 4-2 to the Canadiens on Wednesday. Columbus is 25th in scoring (2.88) and 22nd in goals allowed (3.42).

Updates

Ridly Greig is on the NHL injury report for the Senators, while Shane Pinto is serving a suspension. Jack Roslovic, Damon Severson, and Daniil Tarasov are out for the Blue Jackets.

Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

For the Senators vs. Blue Jackets betting analysis, Ottawa is the betting favorite with NHL odds of -140 on the moneyline and -1.5 (+165) on the puck line. The Blue Jackets are +120 moneyline favorites with +1.5 (-200) puck line odds. The over/under is 6.5.

Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Prediction

Columbus is a surprising 15-9 against the spread (ATS) this season, but just 6-7 at home. The Senators are 3-1 ATS on the road. Ottawa needs the win and Columbus has been far too inconsistent this season, so the Senators puck line appears to be an attractive bet.