Blue Jackets vs Jets Betting Preview
Columbus enters Winnipeg on a five-game points streak. The Blue Jackets are 3-0-2 in that run and survived a blown two-goal lead Monday before beating Montreal in a shootout. Ivan Provorov called the group resilient. The quick turnaround is the concern. Columbus played heavy minutes the night before and now travels west.
Kirill Marchenko continues to drive the offense. He has 15 points over a 12-game point streak and could tie the franchise record with another point Tuesday. Dmitri Voronkov and Zach Werenski also delivered strong games in Montreal.
The Jets return home after a long six-game road trip. Winnipeg went 2-4-0 but finished strong with a shootout win in Calgary. Scott Arniel expects more consistency now that the team is healthier. Morgan Barron and Cole Koepke were activated Monday, giving the lineup more depth.
Winnipeg’s penalty kill remains an issue. Opponents are 7-for-24 on the power play over the Jets’ last seven outings. Their own power play is heating up at 4-for-8 across the last three.
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Line Movement and Odds
Market at publication:
Jets -190, Blue Jackets +159
Puck Line: Jets -1.5 (+135), Blue Jackets +1.5 (-155)
Total 6 (over -120, under +100)
Opens were similar, but the over received immediate interest after both teams hit at least four goals in recent wins. Public money leans to Winnipeg and the over. Sharper groups took early Columbus +165, expecting fatigue but pricing value.
Track movement on the NHL odds board
Matchup Breakdown
Columbus outlook
The Jackets create steady pressure and rank fourth in shots on goal. Their special teams have stabilized after a rough start. They are 18-for-20 on penalty kills over the last 11 games and 3-for-8 on recent power-play attempts. Marchenko drives zone entries and passing lanes. Merzlikins starts in goal, looking to stabilize a 3.14 GAA.
The concern is rest. Columbus played Monday night and has gone to bonus time often. Heavy legs can lead to penalties and slow backchecks.
Winnipeg outlook
Winnipeg strengthens with Barron and Koepke back. The Jets’ power play is climbing, and their top line is reliable. Mark Scheifele leads with 24 points and anchors their transition game. Josh Morrissey has eight points in a five-game streak.
Connor Hellebuyck gives Winnipeg an edge in net. His .913 save percentage stabilizes games where the Jets struggle defensively.
Key battle
Columbus’ transition speed against Winnipeg’s defensive regrouping. If the Jackets push zone entries early, they can test the Jets’ PK issues. The counter is Hellebuyck’s ability to erase mistakes.
Injuries and Conditions
Columbus Blue Jackets
Winnipeg Jets
Best Bets and Prediction
Winnipeg has the rest edge and the goaltending edge. Columbus enters with pace and confidence but faces clear scheduling concerns. The Jets’ special-teams momentum should matter.
Projected score: Jets 4, Blue Jackets 3.
Best bet: Jets -190 on the moneyline.
Secondary lean: Over 6.
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