Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

In this article, we will formulate a Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 2nd at the Nationwide Arena. To formulate this prediction, we will look at: 

-The Red Wings’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Blue Jackets’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Detroit

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Columbus

-Recent betting trends in games played between Detroit and Columbus

-A summary that ties it all together produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets. 

The home team has won the last two games played between the two teams, and overall, the Red Wings have won each of the last three games. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season, but last March the Red Wings secured the 4-3 in overtime. 

Red Wings Coming off Key Win 

The Red Wings haven’t had the best season but they are coming off a key win in the last game. The Red Wings scored four goals against the Pittsburgh Penguins and that was enough for the two-goal victory. The Red Wings scored two goals in the third period to lock up the win. Jonathan Berggren finished with one assist and one goal. J.T. Compher also was good scoring a goal and adding an assist.  The Red Wings actually have won two games in a row and they hope this is the exact momentum they need to turn their season around. 

The Red Wings are averaging 2.62 goals while their defense is giving up 3.24 goals per game. The offense is ranked 28th in the league while the defense is ranked 25th. They are averaging only 25.1 shots per game which is 31st in the league. The good news for the Red Wings is they are pretty healthy heading into this game. 

Why the Red Wings Will Beat the Blue Jackets

• The Blue Jackets have lost five of their last six games as home favorites following a win.
• The Red Wings have won six of their last nine games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Blue Jackets’ last six games at Nationwide Arena.
• The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the second period in three of their last four night games at Nationwide Arena after coming off overtime.

Blue Jackets Off a Shutout Win

The Blue Jackets are coming off a shootout win and they were able to pull out late against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Blue Jackets had three goals against the Carolina Hurricanes and then ended up securing the win in a shootout. Kirill Marchenko had a huge game putting up two goals and finished with six shots on goal. Two games ago against the Boston Bruins, they really struggled and they ended up losing 4-0. The Blue Jackets on the season are averaging 3.29 goals while their defense is giving up 3.58 goals per game. The offense is ranked 9th in the league while the defense is ranked 31st. They are averaging 30.08 shots per game, which is also the eighth-best in the NHL. The Blue Jackets are dealing with some injury issues heading into this game. Center Boone Jenner is dealing with a shoulder injury and he’s going to be out for a while. 

Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction

The Red Wings have won the last three games against the Blue Jackets and their offense has been impressive heading into this game. The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.29 goals and they might score, but it’s going to be the defense that is going to hurt them. The Blue Jackets’ defense is going to really struggle against the Red Wings’ offense that has some confidence right now. Back the Red Wings on the money line to end up cashing here. 

Shane Mickle's Pick: Red Wings ML