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Jeremy Perry
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Edmonton Oilers: NHL Odds, Prediction
The Columbus Blue Jackets impressive 10-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday night with a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. Now they’ll try to get back on track as they start a three-game road trip in Canada, starting with a visit to the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton is off a 5-4 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks but is still 7-2-2 in their last 11 games. We’ll find out if they can play spoiler in this NHL matchup as the Blue Jackets try to secure a playoff spot.
Blue Jackets vs. Oilers Betting Analysis
The Blue Jackets have won four straight road games and two of their last three trips to Edmonton. On the year, they are 22-13 when playing against a team with a losing record.
There aren’t many positives to say about the Oilers but they have won four of their last six at home. They have been very competitive of late, winning seven of 11 and losing by more than a goal just once in that span.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have won 10 of their last 11 games and have arguably been the best team in the NHL over that span. The challenge is that we’ve seen great spurts from them and ugly spurts. Prior to this stretch, the Blue Jackets had lost 11 of 16. It tends to come down to their offence as Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid in net. The Blue Jackets averaged just 2.69 goals per game in February (22nd in the NHL) and that’s why they struggled in that month. In March, they’re averaging nearly more than a goal more per game at 3.62 (fourth in the NHL) and that’s why they’ve been thriving.
Going back to Bobrovsky, he’s been steady. In February, he had a 2.29 GAA and .915 save percentage and in March, he’s at 2.13 and .932. The challenge for him has mostly been road games. Bobrovsky is 19-12 at home with a 2.04 GAA and .933 save percentage. On the road, his numbers drop significantly as he’s only 15-15 with a 2.71 GAA and .911 save percentage. As good as he’s been this month, he’s allowed three goals or more in three of his last four road starts. He needs to be better than that if the Blue Jackets hope to win on Tuesday.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have been a completely different team over the last month, which gives bettors hope for Tuesday’s matchup. The team had a meager .404 winning percentage through their first 57 games. They have a .611 winning percentage over their last 19 games, which shows just how differently this team has played.
Goaltender Cam Talbot has been fantastic in March, posting a .930 save percentage. While his 2.44 GAA is still lofty, it’s his best mark in any month this season. What’s helped is that their offense is really cooking too. They’ve scored a whopping 20 goals over their last four games and are averaging 3.15 per game in March. Given how Bobrovsky plays on the road, the Oilers have an excellent opportunity to play spoiler in this spot.
