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Game Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Anaheim Ducks
The Columbus Blue Jackets head to Southern California on Saturday night looking to complete a season-series sweep against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Columbus earned a dramatic overtime win earlier this week and now looks to build momentum after a prolonged slump. Anaheim, meanwhile, returns home searching for a response after a lopsided loss and will try to even the score against a familiar opponent. Early betting markets opened with Anaheim as a slight home favorite, with the Ducks near -120 on the moneyline, Columbus around even money, and the total set at 6.5 goals. This matchup features the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Anaheim Ducks in a game that carries more urgency than the standings alone suggest.
Odds and Key Information
Opening odds reflected Anaheim’s home-ice edge and Columbus’ recent inconsistency, but early market action trimmed the Ducks’ advantage following the Blue Jackets’ overtime win earlier in the week. The moneyline has drifted closer to a pick’em, while the puck line continues to offer Anaheim +1.5 at plus money. The total remains steady at 6.5, with slight juice favoring the over.
One notable analytical angle is Columbus’ improved defensive structure against Anaheim specifically. In the first meeting, the Blue Jackets limited extended offensive-zone time and forced the Ducks into lower-quality perimeter looks. Coaching emphasis has been clear on both sides. Dean Evason highlighted leadership and compete level following Tuesday’s win, while Anaheim’s staff focused on accountability and structure after surrendering eight goals on Friday night.
Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook
Columbus has endured an uneven stretch, but the Blue Jackets still possess enough high-end talent to challenge teams when execution improves. Zach Werenski has been the driving force, leading the club in goals, assists, and total points through 34 games. His ability to activate offensively from the blue line forces matchup adjustments and opens lanes for Columbus’ forwards.
Despite Tuesday’s victory, the Blue Jackets are just 1-5-1 over their last seven games, largely due to difficulty protecting leads and inconsistent goaltending. Jet Greaves is the expected starter after stopping 24 shots in the first meeting. While his numbers are serviceable, Columbus still needs to limit high-danger chances to stay out of trouble.
The acquisition of Mason Marchment adds physicality and secondary scoring, an area where Columbus has been inconsistent. His presence could help extend offensive-zone shifts and improve net-front play.
Anaheim Ducks Outlook
Anaheim enters Saturday night looking to reset after an 8-3 loss to Dallas that exposed defensive breakdowns and special-teams issues. That said, the Ducks showed resilience earlier in the week by rallying from a two-goal deficit to force overtime against Columbus.
Offensively, Anaheim relies on balance rather than a single dominant scorer. Mikael Granlund remains a steady contributor, while Ryan Strome and Jackson LaCombe have delivered timely goals. The Ducks are most effective when they play with pace and forecheck aggressively, creating turnovers that lead to quick chances.
Goaltending remains a concern. Lukas Dostal struggled in his last outing but is expected to get the start. His season numbers point to league-average performance, which puts pressure on Anaheim’s defensive structure, especially on the second night of a back-to-back. Lineup updates can be tracked via the Ducks injury report.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Blue-line offensive impact | Columbus |
| Home ice and rest advantage | Anaheim |
| Recent head-to-head results | Columbus |
| Goaltending stability | Slight Anaheim |
| Late-game execution | Columbus |
Betting Trends
Columbus has struggled overall against the puck line this season but has been more competitive as a road underdog, particularly against Western Conference opponents. Totals in Blue Jackets games have leaned over due to defensive lapses and reliance on offense to stay competitive.
Anaheim has been inconsistent at home from an ATS perspective but has shown a tendency to bounce back offensively following lopsided losses. Head-to-head meetings between these teams have produced higher totals, including Tuesday’s seven-goal game that required overtime. Bettors comparing this matchup to the rest of the slate can reference pricing and trends on the NHL scores and odds page.
The Lean
This matchup profiles as tighter than Anaheim’s most recent loss might indicate. Columbus carries confidence from the earlier meeting and has a clear leader driving play, while Anaheim faces fatigue and defensive questions on short rest. The Ducks’ urgency is real, but Columbus has demonstrated an ability to exploit Anaheim’s coverage with speed through the neutral zone.
From a betting standpoint, the value leans toward Columbus with the goal-and-a-half or on the moneyline at a playable price. The total is less clear, but given both teams’ defensive volatility and recent scoring patterns, there is a slight lean toward the over if the pace opens up early. Additional daily context can be found on the NHL previews page.
Projected Final Score: Blue Jackets 4, Ducks 3
Best Spread Pick: Blue Jackets +1.5
Total Lean: Over 6.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
NHL betting often comes down to small edges like travel spots, fatigue, and matchup-specific trends. Games like Columbus versus Anaheim are prime examples where recent results can distort perception. ScoresAndStats helps bettors cut through that noise with transparent performance tracking and sharp-side indicators via the Handicappers Leaderboard available on the picks page.
Expert projections add value by contextualizing line movement and identifying inefficiencies before they fully adjust. Bettors looking to sharpen long-term strategy can also benefit from the expert betting guide and independent evaluations available through the handicappers sites reviews.
