Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks – This upcoming Saturday night showcases a thrilling NHL matchup as the Columbus Blue Jackets (14-23-9) face off against the Vancouver Canucks (32-11-4) in the regular season’s high-stakes game. The encounter is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Rogers Arena, with ESPN+ broadcasting the event. This game presents a fascinating dynamic for hockey betting picks, given the contrasting records of the teams involved. The Blue Jackets, struggling to find consistent form, are set against the high-flying Canucks, who have been dominant this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks
Date & Time: Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET
Location: Rogers Arena
TV: ESPN+
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Puckline | Total |
| Blue Jackets | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Canucks | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Columbus Blue Jackets Analysis
The Blue Jackets have struggled to score all season, currently ranking 30th in the NHL with just 2.56 goals per game. Winger Johnny Gaudreau was brought in to provide offensive punch, but has failed to match his stellar 115 point campaign last year in Calgary. Through 46 games, Gaudreau has posted a disappointing 7 goals and 22 assists for 29 points along with an ugly -23 rating. His struggles epitomize Columbus’ lack of secondary scoring behind him.
Adam Fantilli has shown flashes with 11 goals in his first professional season. However, the rest of the roster has been unable to chip in consistently. As a team, the Blue Jackets convert on just 15.9% of their shots, third-worst in the league. Breaking through against Vancouver’s staunch defense will prove extremely difficult. The Canucks allow just 2.51 goals per game, ranking 3rd best in the NHL. Netminder Thatcher Demko has been exceptional, posting a .922 save percentage along with a 2.4 GAA. He is more than capable of stifling Columbus’ limited attack.
In goal, Elvis Merzlikins has failed to provide stability for the Blue Jackets. In 26 starts this year, he has limped to just 8 wins alongside a rough 3.29 GAA and .903 save percentage. Merzlikins has already allowed 80 goals on the season, often unable to bail his team out when they struggle to score. On Saturday, he will be tasked with attempting to slow down a Vancouver offense that scores the 5th most goals per game at 3.7. Their superior speed and skill will severely test Merzlikins. If he cannot put forth one of his best efforts of the year, this could quickly turn into a blowout given the talent disparity between the two teams.
Vancouver Canucks Analysis
The Canucks boast one of the most fearsome attacks in the NHL, striking for 3.7 goals per contest. They have enviable depth up front, led by center J.T. Miller’s outstanding 21 goals and 42 assists. His 63 points are a career high and place him among the top 10 scorers in the league. Right behind Miller is elite sniper Elias Pettersson. The 23-year old Swede already has 25 goals along with 36 helpers in his 47 outings. Pettersson’s speed, puck skills and lethal shooting make him a threat to score from anywhere inside the offensive zone. These two form a lethal one-two punch that can single-handedly shred opposing defenses.
On the back end, Vancouver receives superb goaltending from 26-year old Thatcher Demko. In his 34 starts, Demko has already compiled 25 wins alongside just 8 losses and 1 defeat in extra time. His .922 save percentage puts him among the league’s top five netminders, while his 2.4 GAA is similarly impressive. Demko has shown spectacular consistency all season long, giving his team a chance to win every single night. Against the lowly Blue Jackets’ offense, he should be able to effectively snuff out scoring chances all evening. Overall, Vancouver holds massive advantages over Columbus in every facet of the game.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks Against the Spread
The Blue Jackets have gone just 3-2 straight up in their last five contests, but have covered the puckline in three of those outings. Columbus is an impressive 14-6 against the spread on the road this year, showing the ability to at least keep games close as big underdogs like they are in this matchup.
Meanwhile, the Canucks have dominated lately, winning four of their past five games straight up and covering the puckline in all five. At home, Vancouver is 16-9 against the number. Considering the massive talent gap between these two clubs, backing the Canucks to continue their strong play seems wise.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks Free Pick
Based on trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks’ superior form and offensive firepower make them the clear favorites, especially at home.
Spread: Vancouver Canucks to cover. Given their recent form and the Blue Jackets’ struggles, Vancouver is likely to win by a comfortable margin.
Total: Over. Both teams have trends favoring high-scoring games, and given the offensive talents on display, an over seems probable.
Predicted Score: Vancouver Canucks 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
The most reliable pick for Canadian sports betting enthusiasts in this matchup would be the Vancouver Canucks on the Moneyline. Despite the absence of specific betting odds, the Canucks’ impressive record, coupled with their strong performances against the spread and their offensive capabilities, suggest they are a solid bet. With key players in top form and a robust defensive setup, Vancouver is well-positioned to secure a victory in this encounter.
