Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks 1/27/24 – The NHL regular season brings us an intriguing matchup this Saturday night as the Columbus Blue Jackets, with a record of 14-23-9, take on the formidable Vancouver Canucks, standing tall at 32-11-4. This game, set to unfold at the Rogers Arena on January 27, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET, promises to be a spectacle for hockey enthusiasts and bettors alike. With the Canucks showing dominance in their recent performances and the Blue Jackets fighting to improve their standings, this clash is ripe for analysis for those looking for hockey free picks.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks 1/27/24
When: Saturday, January 27, at 10:00 PM ET
Where: Rogers Arena
TV: ESPN+
Stream: NHL.TV
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks 1/27/24 Betting Odds:
| Team | PUCKLINE | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Jackets | +1.5 -106 | o6.5 -133 | +246 |  |
| Canucks | -1.5 -114 | u6.5 +116 | -281 | |
| ||||
Things to smile about today: A CBJ win on the road and Voronkov’s @FanaticsBook Goal of the Game! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/RkoaFYf8g9
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 26, 2024
Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins vs. Goaltender Thatcher Demko
Elvis Merzlikins has struggled to keep the puck out of the net in his 26 starts this season for the Blue Jackets. He owns an unsightly 3.29 goals against average along with a .903 save percentage. Merzlikins has allowed three or more goals in four of his last five outings. For the season, he’s given up 80 goals on 825 shots. His shootout numbers are equally disappointing, stopping just six of seven attempts for a .857 save percentage. It’s been a disappointing year for the 28-year old netminder. He could have his hands full against a Canucks offense that ranks fifth in the NHL in scoring.
Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko continues his stellar play in net for the Canucks this season. In 34 starts, he’s recorded an impressive 25 wins with just eight losses and one overtime defeat. His goals against average sits at 2.4 while his save percentage is a sparkling .922. For the campaign, Demko has turned aside 951 of the 1032 shots he’s faced. He enters Saturday’s tilt having allowed two or fewer goals in six straight outings, playing with the confidence of a red hot goaltender. Demko should be up to the task of containing a mediocre Blue Jackets attack. The scales tip heavily in his favor over the struggling Merzlikins in terms of impact on Saturday night’s matchup.
Below Average Blue Jackets Offense Led by Gaudreau and Fantilli
The Blue Jackets offense has scuffled all season long, ranking third last in the NHL with just 2.65 goals per game. Johnny Gaudreau leads the team with 29 points, but has scored just seven times after recording 40 goals last season. Meanwhile, rookie Adam Fantilli shows promise with 11 tallies. However, Columbus lacks secondary scoring outside of these two forwards. Against a stingy Canucks defense allowing the eighth-fewest goals, the Jackets could struggle to generate offense Saturday night.
Overflowing Canucks Offense Powered by Miller and Pettersson
The Canucks sport one of the deepest offensive groups in the league, ranking fifth overall with 3.51 goals per contest. They are led by the dynamic one-two punch of centermen J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, who sit first and second on the team in both goals and points. Miller is having an MVP-caliber season, pacing Vancouver with 21 goals and 63 points. Pettersson has lit the lamp 25 times while reaching the 60-point plateau. This duo could have its way against a Columbus defense that has given up the sixth-most goals.
NHL Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, the Canucks are anticipated to be the favorites, given their superior record and home advantage. Bettors should keep an eye on the moneyline and over/under as they become available, considering the Canucks’ offensive strength and the Blue Jackets’ potential for an upset.
Trends
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends
Blue Jackets are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Columbus Blue Jackets are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Blue Jackets are 14-6 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Blue Jackets’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 13 of Blue Jackets’ 26 last games at home.
Vancouver Canucks Betting Trends
Canucks are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Vancouver Canucks are 5-0 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Canucks are 16-9 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Canucks’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Canucks’ 22 last games at home.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vancouver Canucks Betting Picks
Considering the statistical analysis and team performances, the Vancouver Canucks emerge as the stronger side in this matchup. Their robust offense, coupled with Thatcher Demko’s stellar goaltending, gives them the edge over the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, the unpredictable nature of hockey means there’s always room for surprises, especially with the Blue Jackets showing signs of improvement.
For those engaging in sportsbook online betting, the Canucks would be a solid pick for the moneyline, while the over/under will depend on the final odds and should be approached with caution given both teams’ recent trends. Prop bets involving key players like J.T. Miller and Johnny Gaudreau could also offer value, given their pivotal roles in their respective teams.
Score Prediction: Canucks 4, Blue Jackets 2.
