Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers Player Props, Picks and Predictions – Wednesday, Feb. 28

Oct 24, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) reacts during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Image Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

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

The New York Rangers (39-17-3) are set to host the Columbus Blue Jackets (19-28-10) in a clash of Eastern Conference teams with contrasting fortunes this season. As the Rangers aim to solidify their playoff positioning, the Blue Jackets look to play spoiler and build momentum for the future.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers Odds Info

Moneyline: Columbus Blue Jackets +210 (BetRivers) / New York Rangers -238 (DraftKings)

Puck Line: -1.5 – Columbus Blue Jackets -118 (DraftKings) / New York Rangers +100 (Bet365)

Total: 6.5 – -112 (BetRivers) / -102 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 28

Time: 07:00 PM

Location: Madison Square Garden – New York City, NY

TV: ESPN+

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends

  • On the road this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 9 wins and 19 losses.
  • As the underdog this season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have 17 wins and 35 losses.
  • This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have hit 30 overs and 27 unders.

New York Rangers Betting Trends

  • At home this season, the New York Rangers have 20 wins and 7 losses.
  • As the favorite this season, the New York Rangers have 30 wins and 16 losses.
  • This season, the New York Rangers have hit 29 overs and 30 unders.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the course of the 2023-2024 NHL season, the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets have faced off three times, with the Blue Jackets emerging victorious in two of those encounters. The first meeting took place on October 14, 2023, with Columbus securing a win at home with a score of 5-3. The second game on November 12, 2023, saw the Rangers win in a closely contested match that ended 4-3 in their favor, also on home ice. The third game, on February 25, 2024, resulted in another win for Columbus, this time with a score of 4-2. In all three games, the home team came out on top, indicating a strong home-ice advantage. When it comes to betting statistics, Columbus has consistently beaten the spread in all three games, while the Rangers have not managed to cover the spread once. The total score has gone over the set over-under line twice and under once, suggesting a tendency towards higher-scoring games when these two teams clash.

The most recent game between the two teams on February 25, 2024, ended with a 4-2 victory for the Columbus Blue Jackets over the New York Rangers. The Blue Jackets, playing at home, were the underdogs with a closing moneyline of +145, yet they managed to outperform expectations. The game was characterized by Columbus’s effective offense, with goals from Dmitri Voronkov, Kirill Marchenko, Jack Roslovic, and Ivan Provorov. The Rangers, despite being the favorites with a closing moneyline of -178, could not capitalize on their chances, with their only goals coming from Artemi Panarin and Adam Edstrom. The Blue Jackets’ goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins, had an impressive game, saving 38 out of 40 shots for a save percentage of 0.95, while the Rangers’ Jonathan Quick saved 37 out of 41 shots with a save percentage of 0.902. The game did not reach the over-under line of 6.5, falling short by half a point.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers Predictions

The Rangers, currently third in the Eastern Conference, have been a force at home with a 20-7-0 record at Madison Square Garden. Led by the dynamic Artemi Panarin, who tops the team with 33 goals and 79 points, the Rangers boast a potent offense that will test the Blue Jackets’ defense. Despite a recent hiccup ending their winning streak, the Rangers’ overall form has been impressive, with a strong showing in their last ten games. They will be looking to bounce back and continue their push for a high playoff seed.

Columbus, on the other hand, sits at the bottom of the conference but has shown they can pull off upsets, as evidenced by their recent win over the Rangers. With Boone Jenner leading the team in goals and Johnny Gaudreau providing playmaking prowess, the Blue Jackets have the offensive tools to challenge the Rangers. However, their road record of 9-13-6 suggests they face an uphill battle in New York. The Blue Jackets will need goaltender Elvis Merzlikins to replicate his recent stellar performance to keep them in the game.

This matchup will also feature key player battles, including the Rangers’ defensive stalwart Adam Fox against the Blue Jackets’ top scorer Gaudreau. The Rangers’ defense, which has been a mixed bag in terms of allowing shots, will need to tighten up against a Blue Jackets team that has had no trouble finding the back of the net in their recent encounters. With both teams eager to claim victory for different reasons, this game promises to be an intriguing battle on the ice.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers Pick

Despite the New York Rangers’ strong home record and the high-flying performance of Artemi Panarin, the Columbus Blue Jackets present a value pick with their moneyline at +210. The Blue Jackets have proven they can upset the Rangers, as seen in their recent 4-2 victory. Columbus has consistently beaten the spread in their matchups this season, and with the Rangers failing to cover the spread in their encounters, the trend suggests a potential for another upset. Additionally, the Blue Jackets’ goaltender Elvis Merzlikins showcased his ability to stifle the Rangers’ offense, and if he can replicate his recent performance, Columbus has a solid chance to secure a win.

Moreover, the Rangers have shown vulnerability in their defense, allowing a significant number of shots in recent games. This could be an opportunity for Columbus’ offense, led by Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau, to capitalize on any defensive lapses. While the Rangers are undoubtedly formidable at Madison Square Garden, the Blue Jackets’ recent head-to-head record and the attractive odds make them a compelling pick for this matchup. The potential for a high-scoring affair, combined with Columbus’ knack for performing against the Rangers, sets the stage for what could be another surprising outcome in favor of the underdogs.

The Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets +210 (BetRivers)

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers 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
Jack Roslovic Shots On Goal 1.5 7/10 -150 +120 2.5 2.40
Boone Jenner Shots On Goal 2.5 7/10 -145 +114 3.5 3.49
Johnny Gaudreau Assists 0.5 8/10 +135 -175 1.2 1.14
Johnny Gaudreau Points 0.5 8/10 -125 -105 1.3 1.20
Zach Werenski Shots On Goal 2.5 7/10 -125 -105 3.5 3.25

New York Rangers

Player Name Prop Line Over Rate Over Odds Under Odds Last 10 Average Projection
Alexis Lafreniere Shots On Goal 2.5 9/10 -145 +114 3.2 3.31