The Vancouver Canucks are playing their best hockey of the season at a time when they needed it the most. After a massively impressive 2-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday night, the Canucks remain undefeated during their home stand and under head coach Bruce Boudreau.
Vancouver owns the second longest winning streak in the NHL after winning four consecutive games, and currently sit 7th in the Pacific Division, six points out of a playoff spot, with a record of 12-15-2.
On Tuesday night, Vancouver will host the Columbus Blue Jackets (14-11-1), who currently reside in 5th place in the Metropolitan Division. Coming off a 5-4 (OT) victory in Seattle on Saturday, the Blue Jackets will look to regain their early season momentum in Rogers Arena on Tuesday. Columbus has only won two of their last eight games, and look to cement themselves back in the playoff picture in a crowded Eastern Conference.
The Blue Jackets are an extremely balanced team, hovering around the mean average in goals scored, goals against, power play efficiency, and penalty kill efficiency. They’re led by valuable players such as Zach Werenski, Jakub Voracek, and Oliver Bjorkstrand, and are coached by new bench boss Brad Larsen.
These teams previously met on November 26th in Columbus, with the Blue Jackets coming away victorious by a score of 4-2.
Vancouver’s special teams have continued to impress under Bruce Boudreau, and could be an x-factor in what should be a tightly contested matchup tomorrow night.
A name to keep an eye out for in this game is Canucks forward Brock Boeser, who has started off the Boudreau era in flying form. After going 13 games scoreless to end Travis Green’s tenure, Boeser has racked up four points in his last four games, with three of those points being goals.
After another stellar performance versus Carolina, and picking up NHL first star of the week, Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko is expected to maintain his net against Columbus, while the Blue Jackets should roll incumbent starter Elvis Merzlikins out between the pipes.
The odds for Tuesday’s game between the Blue Jackets and Canucks are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of FanSided.
Blue Jackets vs. Canucks Odds and Totals:
Moneyline:
Canucks -150
Blue Jackets +135
Total:
5.5 goals (over -115 // under -105)
Puckline:
Canucks -1.5 at +165
Blue Jackets +1.5 at -185
Blue Jackets vs. Canucks Prediction:
These two teams are rolling in opposite directions right now. The Canucks, undefeated under Bruce Boudreau, have won four in a row and reinvigorated their season in the process. The Blue Jackets, losers in six of their last eight games, have watched their early season success disappear. Considering the feel good factor around Vancouver right now, and the fact they remain at home, I believe they stay undefeated under Boudreau for a little longer. Don’t underestimate this Columbus team however, they play well-disciplined hockey. Give me the Canucks in a close one.
Pick: Canucks Moneyline -150
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!