The Columbus Blue Jackets battle the Boston Bruins once again while struggling and the battle for second in the Atlantic Division fires up between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs in this betting preview.
Columbus Blue Jackets (+190) vs Boston Bruins (-250)
The records of these two teams over the past couple of weeks indicate that this game should go in favour of the Bruins. They have won six of the past seven and in their previous game defeated the Blue Jackets 5-2 at home. This game is in Columbus but the Blue Jackets have lost six games in a row.
Linus Ullmark gets the start in this one having won four starts in a row and allowing just seven goals. The Bruins are just two points behind the Maple Leafs and Lightning for a divisional spot. Those teams play each other tonight, so the Bruins have a chance to move up in the very tight standings in what should be almost a sure win. The over is set pretty high for how the Bruins have shut the door, so take them and the under (U6.5, -115) in this one.
Tampa Bay Lightning (-135) vs Toronto Maple Leafs (+110)
Jack Campbell returns from injury tonight and just in time. The Maple Leafs visit the Lightning in a battle for second in the division. This should be a very close matchup as both teams have been lights out recently. The Maple Leafs have won four in a row and knocked off teams like the Florida Panthers and Bruins, while the Lightning are 4-0-1 in the past five and defeated the Carolina Hurricanes.
In such a close matchup like this, the best course of action is to go with the underdog for better value. Campbell could be a different goaltender than he was when he got injured and the Maple Leafs still have the NHL’s leading goal scorer Auston Matthews who’s at 51 goals and climbing fast. Take the Maple Leafs for the better odds, and if you’re considering the over/under, go with the over (O6.5, -110).
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
