The Vancouver Canucks are stuck in the same rut they were in last year when they finished 7th in the Scotia North Division. A disappointing start has once again overwhelmed and snowballed on the players, staff, and management, leaving this seasons outlook being grim.
At the quarter pole, playing 20 games thus far, the Canucks own a record of 6-12-2, and sit 7th in the Pacific Division. They sit at an estimated 6.2% chance of making the postseason according to advanced projections, and are in serious danger of having their season become meaningless by the time Christmas rolls around.
On Wednesday night, the Canucks fell victim to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins amidst a disastrous 2nd period in which they conceded three goals. Friday night, Vancouver will look to rebound and end their two-game losing streak when they travel to Nationwide Arena to battle the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets, winners of consecutive game, have endured a good start to the season as they sit 5th in the Metropolitan division with a record of 11-6-0. Columbus is lead by first year head coach Brad Larsen, and has a good core of players including Oliver Bjorkstrand, Zach Werenski, and Patrick Laine.
Columbus plays an open and exciting style of hockey, averaging 3.4 goals per game, whilst conceding an average of 3 goals. Special teams is above average but not great for the Jackets who sit 12th in the league in penalty kill efficiency, and 13th in power play conversion rate. Overall, Columbus is an exciting young team playing good hockey in the midst of a full rebuild.
With every team in the NHL off on Thursday for American Thanksgiving, both teams should be rested and raring to go, so expect starting goalies Thatcher Demko and Elvis Merzlikins to start between the pipes.
The odds for Friday’s game between the Canucks and Blue Jackets are courtesy of WynnBET Sportbook, the official betting partner of FanSided.
Blue Jackets vs. Canucks Odds and Total:
Moneyline:
Canucks +120
Blue Jackets -135
Total:
5.5 goals (over -115 // under -105)
Puckline:
Canucks +1.5 at -200
Blue Jackets -1.5 at +175
Blue Jackets vs. Canucks Prediction:
Given the lack of pressure and free-will that the Blue Jackets are playing with right now, and the abysmal train wreck that the Canucks are, especially given the comments by J.T. Miller other day, I expect there to be lots of goals in this game. Whether it be a blowout, or be a high-scoring tight game, I’m not sure. Both teams should be pressing in the offensive zone, albeit for different reasons, either way this game will be goal filled, and as a result I’m taking the over on the goal total.
Pick: Over 5.5 goals at -115
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Blue Jackets and Canucks? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!