Columbus Blue Jackets (34-30-9) vs Colorado Avalanche (46-26-4)
April 3, 2025 at 07:30 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Columbus Blue Jackets +130 / Colorado Avalanche -155 — Over/Under: 6.5
In this article, we will formulate an Avalanche vs Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, April 3, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche (46-26-4, 33-43 ATS) managed to avoid the third consecutive defeat after beating the Chicago Blackhawks in the shootout last night. Prior to this win, the Avs narrowly lost to the St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames at home. Colorado is 3rd in the Central Division Standings with 96 points, six behind the Stars and ten behind the leaders Jets.
The Avalanche score 3.30 goals per game on average (6th), while they concede 2.76 GPG (10th). This season, Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 111 points (30 G and 81 A). Cale Makar has 87 points (29 G and 58 A), while Artturi Lehkonen chips in with 43 points (27 G and 16 A).
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets (34-30-9, 44-29 ATS) went through a rough patch in March, during which they suffered six consecutive losses. However, they managed to bounce back with three wins in four games, defeating the Islanders, Canucks, and Predators, while losing to the Senators. Columbus is 5th in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 77 points, two behind the Canadiens, who currently occupy the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Blue Jackets average 3.23 goals per game this year (10th), while they allow 3.36 GPG (27th). Zach Werenski leads the team with 74 points (20 G and 54 A). Kirill Marchenko contributes 70 points (31 G and 39 A), while Kent Johnson has 49 points (22 G and 27 A).
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Blue Jackets’ last nine games as home underdogs following a win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Avalanche’s last four games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight Thursday night games between teams from different divisions have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four games following a win.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in five of the Avalanche’s last six games as favorites against the Blue Jackets.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 27th in the league for goals against per game this season (3.36).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 31st in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.30).
- The Colorado Avalanche rank 6th in the league for goals per game this season (3.30).
- The Colorado Avalanche are one of seven teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
Avalanche vs Blue Jackets Prediction
The teams have traded victories in the past few years, as each recorded five over the last ten H2H encounters. The Avalanche won three of the last five, but the Blue Jackets were better in the previous two, including the one duel this season when it was 6-4 at Colorado. The Jackets are chasing the No. 8 seed in the East, and they are desperate for two points here, while the Avalanche need two more points to mathematically secure the playoff spot. I expect an exciting game with a bunch of goals. Columbus has a 42-29-2 Over/Under record this year. I am going with Over.