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The NHL regular season resumes with a massive divisional clash at TD Garden as the Boston Bruins host the Columbus Blue Jackets this Thursday night. Both teams entered the Olympic hiatus on incredible runs, and the stakes for this 7:00 PM puck drop on ESPN+ could not be higher. Boston currently holds a slim four point lead over Columbus for the second and final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, meaning this head-to-head battle is essentially a four point game in the standings.
Neither side has suffered a regulation loss since January 20, which makes this one of the most intriguing matchups on the board. Columbus carries a seven game winning streak into Boston while the Bruins were 4-0-3 in their last seven before the break. With gold medalists returning from Milan and a short window to find their rhythm, the early minutes of this game will likely dictate which team has the edge in conditioning. The betting market reflects this tight race with the Bruins opening as a slight home favorite at -116 against a Blue Jackets side sitting at -101.
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Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins Odds
These are the current betting lines as the league returns to action, though bettors should always monitor the latest NHL odds as player availability can shift closer to puck drop.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | -101 | +1.5 (-261) | O 6.5 (+100) |
| Boston Bruins | -116 | -1.5 (+206) | U 6.5 (-121) |
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Form
Columbus was arguably the hottest team in the league before the break, punctuated by a dominant 4-0 win over the Blackhawks. The Blue Jackets have been a bettor’s dream recently, going 9-1 straight up and 9-1 on the puck line over their last ten games. Rick Bowness has this group playing with high energy, and the defense has been surprisingly stout, ranking 18th in the league in blocked shots. They rely heavily on structure and timely scoring from guys like Sean Monahan and Danton Heinen.
The return of Zach Werenski is the biggest storyline for the visitors. After recording the primary assist on the golden goal for Team USA, he returns to the lineup with immense confidence. Perhaps the biggest factor is Charlie Coyle, who reached the 1,000 game milestone recently and returns to Boston for the first time since being traded. For a deeper look at their season trends, check the Columbus Blue Jackets stats and results. Availability is generally good, but keep an eye on the Columbus Blue Jackets injury report for any late changes to the defensive pairings.
Boston Bruins Betting Form
The Bruins sit at 32-20-5 and have stayed competitive by being one of the most physical teams in the league. They rank fourth in the NHL in hits and have a power play that has produced 44 goals this season. David Pastrnak continues to carry the offensive load with 71 points, but the emergence of Morgan Geekie, who was on an eight game point streak before the break, has provided much needed depth. Playing at TD Garden usually provides a significant advantage, though their 9-10 division record suggests they have struggled against familiar foes.
Goaltending is the primary concern for Boston heading into this matchup. Jeremy Swayman is currently on the non-roster reserve list for rest after the Olympics, which puts a lot of pressure on the backup rotation. The Bruins rely on a heavy five on five game, and without their star netminder, they will need to be nearly perfect in their defensive zone. You can track their home splits and situational performance at the Boston Bruins schedule and stats page. Also, be sure to verify the Boston Bruins injury report before locking in any puck line plays.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins Matchup Breakdown
This matchup features a classic battle between Boston’s physical presence and Columbus’ shot-blocking resilience. The Bruins want to turn this into a grind, utilizing their hits and aggressive forecheck to create power play opportunities. If you are new to betting these specific styles, an NHL expert betting guide can help explain how physicality metrics translate to the moneyline. Columbus has been playing a more disciplined game lately, which will be vital since the Bruins’ power play can end a game quickly if given too many chances.
The Olympic hangover is a real variable here. While Swayman is resting, Charlie McAvoy is expected back for the morning skate, and his timing on the blue line will be critical against a Columbus team that excels on the counter-attack. The Jackets have gone under the total in 25 of their 40 games, but Boston has gone over in five straight. This clash of totals trends is usually where the best value is found. For those looking at the long term picture, these wild-card battles often serve as a preview for Stanley Cup betting strategies later in the spring.
Pace of play will favor Columbus if they can keep the game at even strength. Merzlikins has been solid in net, and if he outplays the Bruins’ backup, the plus money on the Jackets becomes very attractive. Boston has a high floor because of Pastrnak, but the defensive questions without Swayman are hard to ignore.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Boston Bruins Predictions and Best Bets
I think this game is much closer to a pick’em than the current odds suggest. Boston is the favorite because of the venue and their power play, but the Blue Jackets were playing at an elite level before the break and have a clear edge in goal with Swayman out. My model projects a 4-3 scoreline, which aligns with the projection of this being a high scoring affair despite Columbus’ season-long under trend.
The Bruins moneyline at -116 is the safer play if you trust their veteran leadership to navigate the post-Olympic rust. However, the over 6.5 at +100 offers great value. Boston’s last five games have turned into track meets, and the defensive gaps left by resting players usually lead to more high-danger chances. I expect Pastrnak to find the back of the net, but Columbus has enough depth to keep this within a goal or win it outright in overtime.
Best Bet: Boston Bruins moneyline (-116).
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