San Jose Sharks vs
Columbus Blue JacketsPredictions & Preview

Blue Jackets Favored to Beat Sharks in Crucial Playoff Push Match-up

The San Jose Sharks will be facing off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus, OH, on Thursday. The Sharks, currently in 15th place in the Western Conference, are not in playoff contention, while the Blue Jackets are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and close to securing a playoff spot. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm EST. Columbus is the betting favorite with odds opening at -170 and remaining unchanged.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Sharks +147 | Blue Jackets -170
• Spread: Sharks +1.5 (-165) | Blue Jackets -1.5 (+141)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Columbus will win straight-up is 63%.

San Jose vs Columbus Stats

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks traveled to Columbus after a 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings, ending their three-game losing streak and the Red Wings' seven-game winning streak. William Eklund led the Sharks' attack with a goal and two assists, while Alexandar Georgiev made 25 saves for the win. Despite the victory, the Sharks are 15th in the Western Conference with a 14-26-6 record and are struggling on both offense and defense. Several key players are injured, including Alex Wennberg, Nikolai Kovalenko, Klim Kostin, Cody Ceci, and Jake Walman. The Sharks are ranked 29th in power rankings and are facing challenges in various aspects of their game. For NHL betting tips, check out our free NHL picks.

Columbus Blue Jackets Analysis

The Columbus Blue Jackets continued their winning streak with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Flyers, led by Zach Werenski's two goals. Goalie Daniil Tarasov made 23 saves in the win. The team is currently on a five-game winning streak and is positioning themselves for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite ranking high in offensive categories, the Blue Jackets struggle defensively. Several key players are listed as day-to-day or out due to injuries. The team has a power ranking of 7 and rank 4th in the NHL for offense. Regarding betting opportunities and sportsbook promos, fans should check out some of the current deals available.

Blue Jackets Primed for Victory Against Sharks on Puck Line

The upcoming game presents a favorable opportunity to consider the Blue Jackets on the puck line as they aim for a sixth consecutive victory. The Blue Jackets' pursuit of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference underscores the importance of capitalizing on their advantageous position against the visiting Sharks. Seeking redemption following a 2-1 loss to the Sharks earlier in the season, Columbus, ranked fifth in the NHL for goals per game and seventh in shots per game, is positioned favorably against a Sharks team ranked 28th in goals allowed per game. Despite defensive challenges, the Blue Jackets have shown improvement by conceding only five goals in their last three games. Given San Jose's low ranking in goals per game, the Blue Jackets are in a solid position to control the game and secure victory on the puck line.

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