Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 12/27/24

In this article we will formulate a Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Friday, December 27th at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Boston Bruins Betting Preview

The Boston Bruins are 19-13-4 this year after they defeated Washington by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Boston was tied at one in the third period, but they scored three late goals for the win. The Bruins outshot Washington by a total of 22-11, won 66% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Boston got goals from Brazeau, Coyle, Lindholm, and Marchand, while Swayman stopped 10 out of 11 shots in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Bruins defeated the Sabres by a score of 3-1 but did lose to Edmonton by a score of 3-2 before that. Boston has scored 2.64 goals per game and they have allowed 3.03 goals against per game, while also going 13.6% on the power play and 77.3% on the penalty kill this season. David Pastrnak has led Boston with 12 goals, 23 assists, and 140 shots on goal, while Jeremy Swayman is 12-10-3 with a 3.05 goals against average and an .887 save percentage this year. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 14-15-6 this season after they defeated Montreal by a score of 5-4 in their last game. Columbus led 3-1 in the second period, but they needed two goals in the third period to escape with the win. The Blue Jackets outshot Montreal by a total of 32-31, won 47% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Johnson, Marchenko, Voronkov (2), and Harris, while Greaves stopped 27 out of 31 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Blue Jackets lost to Philadelphia by a score of 5-4 but did beat New Jersey by a score of 4-2 before that. Columbus has scored 3.31 goals per game and they have allowed 3.63 goals against per game, while also going 18.1% on the power play and 74% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Marchenko has led Columbus with 13 goals, 24 assists, and 100 shots on goal, while Elvis Merzlikins is 10-9-3 with a 3.13 goals-against average and a .889 save percentage this year. 

Why the Bruins will beat the Blue Jackets

• The Bruins have won each of their last eight night games against the Blue Jackets following a win.
• The Blue Jackets have lost 29 of their last 34 night games following a win.
• The Bruins have covered the puck line in each of their last three games.
• The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in four of their last five games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Blue Jackets’ last six night games against Atlantic Division opponents at Nationwide Arena has gone OVER the total goal line.
• Each of the Bruins’ last four night games against the Blue Jackets following a win has gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in four of the Bruins’ last five games following a home win.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Zach Werenski has scored at least one goal in five of the Blue Jackets’ last six games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blue Jackets’ last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 11 games at Nationwide Arena.
• Zach Werenski ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference for average time on ice (26:30) this season.

Boston Bruins Player Prop Facts

• Brad Marchand has scored at least one goal in five of the Bruins’ last six road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Charlie McAvoy has recorded an assist in each of the Bruins’ last five games.
• Brad Marchand has recorded at least one point in each of the Bruins’ last nine night games.
• Brad Marchand has the equal-most multi-goal games for the Bruins this season (2).

Matchup/League Facts

• The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 32nd in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.46).
• The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 31st in the league in save percentage this season (.875).
• The Boston Bruins rank 1st in the league in penalty minutes this season (393).
• The Boston Bruins rank 32nd in the league for Period 3 goals scored per game this season (0.75).

Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction 

Boston comes into this game after winning four of their last five games and they have allowed just one goal in three of those wins. The Bruins are 8-7-2 on the road this year, while the Blue Jackets are 10-4-3 at home. Columbus has lost nine of their last 12 games, but they do play their best hockey at home. Columbus has really struggled defensively in recent games, so give me the Bruins -1.5 here.