The Columbus Blue Jackets (18-34-4) wrap up a 2-game season series with the Arizona Coyotes (19-28-9) Sunday. Puck drop from Mullett Arena is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (NHL Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Coyotes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Blue Jackets toppled the Dallas Stars 4-1 on the road Saturday. Columbus has won 2 games in a row and 3 of its last 4 outings. The Jackets have covered the puck line in 4 straight games, improving to 27-29 against the spread (ATS) on the season.
Arizona also played Saturday, suffering a 6-5 shootout loss at the Los Angeles Kings as a +185 underdog. The Coyotes have lost 3 of their last 5 games, a stretch during which they are 4-1 on the puck line. That sole puck line loss was a 4-3 overtime defeat at the Chicago Blackhawks as -109 favorites on Feb. 10.
Blue Jackets at Coyotes odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub Lines last updated at 12:27 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Blue Jackets +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Coyotes -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-240) | Coyotes -1.5 (+190)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Blue Jackets at Coyotes projected goalies
Elvis Merzlikins (6-15-0, 4.28 GAA, .873 SV%) vs Connor Ingram (4-11-4, 3.23 GAA, .910 SV%, 1 SO)
Mezlikins last saw action in a 3-2 loss vs. to the New Jersey Devils Tuesday, making 29 saves on 32 shots (.906 SV%).
Ingram saw the ice for 48:45 in Saturday night’s loss to Los Angeles after starter G Karel Vejmelka was pulled early in the 1st period after allowing 5 goals on 14 shots. The 25-year-old Canadian netminder turned aside 23 shots in relief.
Blue Jackets at Coyotes picks and predictions
Prediction
Coyotes 3, Blue Jackets 2
Moneyline
LEAN COYOTES (-125).
This is a battle of bad teams, but the Coyotes should have a small advantage. The Blue Jackets have been terrible recently vs. terrible teams, going 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. teams with a losing record. The Coyotes also have home-ice advantage and are 4-1 in their last 5 at Mullett Arena.
Puck line/Against the spread
AVOID.
The Blue Jackets +1.5 (-240) should be able to cover the puck line in this battle of evenly-matched teams Sunday, but you shouldn’t risk nearly 2 1/2 times your potential return for the insurance.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 6.5 (-120).
The Under is your safest bet in this one.
The Under is 4-0-1 in Columbus’ last 5 vs. the Western Conference and 4-0 in its last 4 vs. the Central Division. The Under is also 11-4 in Arizona’s last 15 vs. the Eastern Conference and 5-1 in its last 6 home games.
The Under is also 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings between these clubs in Arizona.
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