Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Tuesday, Jan. 02

Dec 3, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) shoots the puck during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden.
Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Boston Bruins hit the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Boston Bruins (22-7-6) are set to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-18-8) in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. The Bruins, currently on a 3-game winning streak and holding the top spot in their division, aim to continue their dominant run, while the Blue Jackets look to upset the odds and snap their 1-game losing streak at the Nationwide Arena.

Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Odds Info

Moneyline: Boston Bruins -225 (BetRivers) / Columbus Blue Jackets +185 (BetRivers)

Puck Line: +1.5 – Boston Bruins +112 (BetRivers) / Columbus Blue Jackets -125 (Bet365)

Total: 6.5 – -115 (FanDuel) / +100 (Bet365)

Game Info

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 02

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH

TV: ESPN+

Boston Bruins Betting Trends

  • On the road this season, the Boston Bruins have 11 wins and 8 losses.
  • As the favorite this season, the Boston Bruins have 19 wins and 11 losses.
  • This season, the Boston Bruins have hit 17 overs and 18 unders.

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends

  • At home this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 8 wins and 13 losses.
  • As the underdog this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 11 wins and 23 losses.
  • This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have hit 22 overs and 16 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the course of the last two seasons, the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets have faced off five times, with the Bruins emerging victorious in four of those encounters while the Blue Jackets claimed one win. The majority of these games have favored the home team, with four wins compared to just one for the visiting team. When it comes to betting statistics, the Bruins have covered the spread in two games, whereas the Blue Jackets have beaten the spread in three. In terms of totals betting, the ‘Under’ has been the prevailing outcome, hitting four times, with the ‘Over’ only occurring once. Delving into the specifics, the Bruins have demonstrated a strong offensive presence, particularly in the most recent game where Brad Marchand scored a hat-trick in the third period. The Blue Jackets have struggled to keep up, as reflected in their win-loss record against the Bruins and overall performance in these matchups.

The most recent game between the two teams took place on December 3, 2023, and ended with a 3-1 victory for the Boston Bruins. The game was tightly contested through the first two periods, with Boone Jenner of the Blue Jackets scoring the only goal in the second period. However, the Bruins took control in the third period, thanks to a standout performance by Brad Marchand who netted three consecutive goals, securing the win for Boston. The Bruins’ goaltender, Jeremy Swayman, had a save percentage of 0.96, stopping 24 out of 25 shots on goal, while the Blue Jackets’ Spencer Martin saved 25 out of 28 shots, with a save percentage of 0.893. The game concluded with the Bruins covering the spread as favorites and the total score staying ‘Under’ the set line of 6.5.

Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Predictions

The Boston Bruins are riding high with a strong season record, showcasing their offensive prowess led by right winger David Pastrnak, who has been a scoring sensation with 22 goals and 28 assists. The Bruins’ recent form has been impressive, with victories that have solidified their position at the top of their division. Their ability to maintain momentum on the road, with an 11-5-3 record, will be crucial as they enter the Nationwide Arena. The Bruins’ defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success, will be put to the test against the Blue Jackets’ attack.

On the other side, the Columbus Blue Jackets have had a challenging season, but they have shown flashes of potential, particularly in their home games. With a young and dynamic player like Kirill Marchenko leading the team in goals, and the experienced Johnny Gaudreau contributing with 18 assists and 25 points, the Blue Jackets have the tools to challenge the Bruins. However, their overall performance has been inconsistent, and they will need to step up both offensively and defensively to match the Bruins’ intensity.

This game will feature key player matchups, including the Bruins’ Pastrnak against the Blue Jackets’ Gaudreau, which could be decisive in the outcome. Both teams will be looking to exploit any defensive weaknesses, and special teams could play a significant role. With the Bruins’ strong record on the road and the Blue Jackets’ determination to improve their home record, this game is set to be a battle of wills with high stakes for both teams.

Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Pick

The Boston Bruins come into this matchup as the clear favorites, and for good reason. Their record speaks volumes, with a strong 22-7-6 overall and an impressive 11-5-3 on the road. The Bruins’ offensive threat, led by David Pastrnak, has been consistently delivering, and their defense has proven to be formidable throughout the season. The Bruins have also dominated recent head-to-head matchups against the Blue Jackets, winning four out of the last five encounters. With the Bruins currently on a three-game winning streak and the Blue Jackets on a one-game losing streak, momentum is certainly on the side of Boston. Additionally, the Bruins have been successful in covering the spread in recent games against the Blue Jackets, further solidifying their position as the smart moneyline bet.

While the Columbus Blue Jackets have the home-ice advantage and have shown they can be competitive, especially with players like Johnny Gaudreau and Kirill Marchenko stepping up, their inconsistency this season is a concern. The Bruins’ ability to perform on the road, coupled with their strong offensive and defensive units, makes them the safer bet. The historic head-to-head data also supports this pick, as the Bruins have been the dominant team in recent seasons. Given the current form of both teams and the trends leading up to this game, placing a moneyline bet on the Boston Bruins is the prudent choice for this NHL matchup.

The Pick: Boston Bruins -225 (BetRivers)

Boston Bruins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Picks

Here are the players who have hit over their current prop line in at least 7 of their last 10 games.

Boston Bruins

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Morgan Geekie Points 0.5 7/10 +100 -130 0.8 0.87
Morgan Geekie Shots On Goal 1.5 7/10 -190 +145 2.5 2.40

Columbus Blue Jackets

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Justin Danforth Shots On Goal 1.5 7/10 -145 +114 1.7 1.68
Adam Fantilli Points 0.5 7/10 +120 -150 0.8 0.80