Edmonton Oilers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, 3/7/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Edmonton Oilers vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH

TV: Bally Sports Ohio

Odds/Point Spread: Oilers (-215) Blue Jackets (+175)

The Edmonton Oilers (38-20-2) are on their way to Nationwide Arena on Thursday where they will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (21-31-10). The odds on this game have the Oilers at -215 while the Blue Jackets are opening at +175. The betting total is set at 7.

The Edmonton Oilers were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 2-1 win over the Bruins in their previous game. The Oilers didn't have their best offensive outing in this win. While out there on the ice, they were able to notch a goal on 2 out of the 26 shots they attempted. Furthermore, they had 2 power play chances but didn't net one. Edmonton accounted for 4 mins in the box in this contest.

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In the matter of their goal scoring prowess, the Edmonton Oilers have notched 212 goals (6th in pro hockey) this season and have allowed 173. For the year, they have racked up 78 points and their points percentage sits at .650. Edmonton comes into the game with 177 power play chances and they have added 47 goals out of those advantages, garnering them a percentage of 26.55%. While playing at even strength, the Oilers have conceded 133 goals while getting 165 as an offensive unit. Edmonton has tried 2,007 shots and has a shooting percentage of 10.6%. The Oilers thus far have had 1,695 shots taken against them and have a save percentage of .898. Edmonton Oilers opponents have totaled 197 power play tries (11th in the league) and have come away with 40 goals in those attempts.

The man protecting the net in this game is Stuart Skinner. Opponents have racked up 284 goals versus Skinner in his career and his goals against average is 2.69. Skinner has been involved in 109 matchups throughout his hockey career. His save percentage is .910 in his 6,327 mins guarding the cage. He has amassed a record of 65-33-7 and he was named the starter in 105 games. From the beginning of his pro career to now, Skinner has accrued 62 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is at .590. Skinner has had 3,160 shots against him and has accrued 2,876 saves.

In their last game, Columbus went up against the Penguins in an outing where the Blue Jackets ended up taking the loss by a tally of 5-3. They had 1 power play attempt in this contest but weren't able to put one in the back of the net. The Blue Jackets scored 3 goals of the 36 shots on goal they attempted.

The Blue Jackets have tallied 160 goals at even strength and 25 goals (32nd in the NHL) while on the power play. Columbus has tried 1,871 shots (19th in professional hockey) and has a shot percentage of 9.89%, while allowing their opponents 2,069 shots. Over the course of the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have accumulated 185 goals, 52 points, and a points percentage of .419. They have permitted 227 goals to be scored by way of 185 goals at even strength and 42 goals while they were shorthanded. They have a total of 173 power play opportunities and they have earned a power play percentage of 14.45%. They have recorded a penalty kill percentage of 76.40% on the other teams 178 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is currently 89.0%.

On the other side of the ice you will find Daniil Tarasov patrolling the crease. His opposition is averaging 3.62 goals/game and he has surrendered 117 goals in total. Tarasov's rate of quality starts comes out to 47.1% and he has qualified for 16 quality starts in his professional career. He has started in 34 games and has been on the ice for 1,937 minutes. Tarasov has a lifetime record of 9-21-3 and has been in net for 36 contests. He has racked up 1,008 stops out of 1,125 shots taken, giving him a save percentage of .896.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Josh's Pick: Take Edmonton (-215)

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