New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, 3/15/2025 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH

TV: NBC4 WCMH-TV

Odds/Point Spread: Rangers (+110) Blue Jackets (-130)

The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-25-8) are hosting the New York Rangers (31-28-6) at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. The odds on this game have the Rangers at +110 and the Blue Jackets are priced at -130. The total comes in at 6.

The New York Rangers were on the wrong end of the scoreboard with a 2-1 loss to the Jets their last time on the ice. New York recorded 10 minutes in the box in this matchup. Furthermore, they had 3 power play tries and notched 1 goal. The Rangers left a lot to be desired in terms of their offense in this loss. In the game, they were able to notch a goal on 1 out of the 22 shots they put on net.

Get all of our NHL Picks

New York Rangers opponents have 193 power play opportunities (7th in professional hockey) and have earned 33 goals in those chances. The Rangers have seen 1,965 shots attempted against them and hold a save percentage of .899. New York has tried 1,886 shots and holds a shot percentage of 10.3%. At even strength, the Rangers have conceded 166 goals while notching 162 on the offensive side of the ice. New York steps onto the ice with 170 power play opportunities and they have notched 33 goals out of those attempts, garnering them a percentage of 19.41%. For the season, they have racked up 68 points and their points percentage is sitting at .523. In relation to their goal scoring prowess, the New York Rangers have earned 195 goals (15th in the league) this year and have allowed 199.

The player between the pipes for this game is Igor Shesterkin. During his career on the ice, Shesterkin has earned 161 quality starts and his quality starts rate is .631. His save percentage is .918 for his 12,538 mins played. Shesterkin has had 7,710 shots against him and has recorded 7,079 saves. Opponents have been able to score 631 goals against Shesterkin in his pro hockey career and his goals against average is 3.02. He has an overall record of 156-81-21 and he has gotten the start in 255 games. Shesterkin has played in 260 games during his hockey career.

In their last outing, Columbus went up against the Devils in an outing where the Blue Jackets were on the wrong end of the score by a mark of 5-3. They had 3 opportunities on the power play in this matchup but weren't able to put one in the back of the net. The Blue Jackets had 3 goals out of the 20 shots on goal they tried.

On the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have a total of 213 goals, 70 points, as well as a points percentage of .547. They have permitted 212 goals to be scored by of a combination of 168 goals at even strength and 44 goals while they had less men on the ice. The Blue Jackets have scored 183 goals at even strength and 30 goals (26th in hockey) while on the power play. They have a total of 149 chances on the power play and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 20.13%. Columbus has attempted 1,821 shots (17th in hockey) and has a shot percentage of 11.70%, while allowing the opposition 1,911 shots. They have a penalty kill percentage of 75.42% on their oppositions 179 power play tries, and their save percentage is 88.9%.

For the opposition you will find Elvis Merzlikins in net. Merzlikins has amassed a career mark of 90-96-34 and has participated in 234 games. Merzlikins' percentage of quality starts is 48.2% and he has 106 quality starting assignments in his NHL career. He has racked up 6,386 stops out of the 7,075 shots tried, giving him a percentage of .903. His opponents are averaging 3.92 goals per game and he has allowed 689 goals altogether. He got the starting nod in 220 games and has accumulated 10,558 minutes.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Columbus (-130)

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here