Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Friday, Mar. 22

Nov 15, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Ball Arena.
Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

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

The Colorado Avalanche (44-20-5) are set to clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets (23-34-12) in a matchup that pits a top Western Conference contender against an Eastern Conference struggler. As the Avalanche look to extend their 7-game winning streak, the Blue Jackets are aiming to find form and snap their 2-game losing streak.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche Odds Info

Moneyline: Columbus Blue Jackets +300 (FanDuel) / Colorado Avalanche -375 (DraftKings)

Puck Line: -2.5 – Columbus Blue Jackets -155 (BetMGM) / Colorado Avalanche +130 (BetMGM)

Total: 6.5 – +107 (BetRivers) / -125 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: Friday, Mar. 22

Time: 08:00 PM

Location: Ball Arena – Denver, CO

TV: ESPN+

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends

  • This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have hit 35 overs and 34 unders.
  • On the road this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have hit 20 overs and 13 unders.
  • As the underdog this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have hit 32 overs and 30 unders.

Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends

  • This season, the Colorado Avalanche have hit 40 overs and 29 unders.
  • At home this season, the Colorado Avalanche have hit 18 overs and 14 unders.
  • As the favorite this season, the Colorado Avalanche have hit 32 overs and 26 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the last three seasons, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Colorado Avalanche have faced off four times, with each team securing two victories apiece. These matchups occurred between November 2021 and November 2022, showcasing a balanced competition between the two teams. In terms of betting statistics, both teams have also evenly split their ability to cover the spread, with two games each. The over/under betting results leaned towards high-scoring games, with the over hitting three times and the under only once. The home and visiting teams have been equally successful, each winning two games. The Avalanche and the Blue Jackets have demonstrated a competitive edge, with the Avalanche outscoring the Blue Jackets in total goals across these games. The most recent game, played on November 5, 2022, ended with a 5-1 victory for the Avalanche, who were the favorites with a closing moneyline of -245. The Blue Jackets, despite being the underdogs, managed to win the previous game on November 6, 2021, with a closing moneyline of +148. The total score of all four games combined is 24, with the Avalanche contributing 13 goals and the Blue Jackets 11.

The most recent encounter between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Colorado Avalanche took place on November 5, 2022, where the Avalanche dominated with a 5-1 victory. The game began with an early lead for the Avalanche as Artturi Lehkonen scored within the first minute, assisted by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. The Blue Jackets managed to equalize in the first period with a power play goal from Boone Jenner, but that was the extent of their scoring. The Avalanche took control in the second period with goals from Martin Kaut, Logan O’Connor, and Devon Toews, and Alex Newhook added the final goal in the third period. The Avalanche’s goaltender, Alexandar Georgiev, had an impressive game with a save percentage of 0.969, stopping 31 of 32 shots. The Blue Jackets’ Joonas Korpisalo faced a barrage of 45 shots, saving 40, for a save percentage of 0.889. The Avalanche were the clear favorites with a closing moneyline of -245 and successfully covered the spread of 1.5, while the game’s total score stayed under the closing over-under of 6.5.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche Predictions

The Avalanche, currently third in the Western Conference, have been on a tear lately, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower. With star center Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge, boasting an impressive 117 points this season, Colorado’s attack is a force to be reckoned with. The team’s recent performances have been a testament to their balanced scoring and solid goaltending, with Alexandar Georgiev providing stability between the pipes. The Avalanche’s ability to maintain puck possession and convert on scoring opportunities will be key factors in this game.

On the other side, the Blue Jackets find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, struggling to gain traction this season. Despite the challenges, left winger Johnny Gaudreau has been a bright spot, leading the team with 51 points. Columbus will need Gaudreau and center Boone Jenner to spark their offense if they hope to compete with the high-octane Avalanche. The Blue Jackets’ defense, which has been porous at times, will face a stern test against one of the league’s most potent offenses.

This game presents a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, with the Avalanche’s offensive juggernaut going head-to-head with the Blue Jackets’ underdog spirit. Key player matchups to watch include the battle between MacKinnon and Gaudreau, as well as the performance of both goaltenders in what could become a high-scoring affair. With the Avalanche pushing for a strong playoff position and the Blue Jackets playing for pride, expect an energetic contest at Ball Arena.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche Pick

The Colorado Avalanche’s offensive prowess, combined with the Columbus Blue Jackets’ defensive struggles, suggests that a high-scoring game is on the horizon. The Avalanche have been consistently finding the back of the net, with their last ten games resulting in nine overs. Nathan MacKinnon’s exceptional scoring touch, along with contributions from the entire lineup, makes Colorado a threat every time they step on the ice. The Blue Jackets, while not as offensively gifted, have managed to contribute to higher-scoring games on the road, with 20 overs to their name this season. Given these trends, and considering the Avalanche’s tendency to engage in shootouts at home, the over on a 6.5 total line seems like a promising bet.

Historically, the head-to-head matchups between these two teams have favored the over, with three out of their last four encounters surpassing the total line. The Avalanche’s recent 5-1 victory over the Blue Jackets, although an under, showcased Colorado’s ability to score in bunches. With the Blue Jackets likely to concede goals against a high-caliber offense like the Avalanche’s, and the potential for Columbus to capitalize on any lapses in Colorado’s defense, this game has all the makings of an over scenario. The Avalanche’s drive to solidify their playoff positioning will only add to the intensity and pace of the game, further supporting the likelihood of a total score that exceeds 6.5 goals.

The Pick: Over 6.5 -125 (DraftKings)

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Picks

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

Columbus Blue Jackets

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Johnny Gaudreau Shots On Goal 1.5 8/10 -195 +150 2.0 2.02

Colorado Avalanche

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Nathan MacKinnon Assists 0.5 9/10 -195 +150 1.3 1.20
Cale Makar Assists 0.5 8/10 -166 +130 1.0 1.07
Cale Makar Points 0.5 8/10 -245 +185 1.4 1.20
Valeri Nichushkin Power Play Points 0.5 7/10 +195 -260 0.8 0.81
Valeri Nichushkin Points 0.5 7/10 -230 +175 1.3 1.42
Mikko Rantanen Assists 0.5 8/10 -145 +114 1.2 1.20
Nathan MacKinnon Points 1.5 7/10 -130 +100 2.1 2.26
Valeri Nichushkin Shots On Goal 3.5 7/10 +130 -166 3.8 3.94
Devon Toews Points 0.5 7/10 +105 -135 0.8 0.88