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Game Preview Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild
The Columbus Blue Jackets head to Xcel Energy Center for a non-conference matchup against the Minnesota Wild in a game between two teams facing major mid-season questions. Columbus remains buried in the standings with defensive issues, while Minnesota is trying to claw back into the playoff picture after a slow start.
While neither team sits in a comfortable spot, the Wild have home-ice advantage and stylistic advantages against a Columbus team that struggles in high-pressure environments. Bettors will want to review recent form, power play splits, and goaltending metrics before locking in any positions. Use the NHL picks page to compare market insights.
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Odds and Key Information
Minnesota opened as a heavy home favorite around -185 on the moneyline, with Columbus priced near +160. The puck line lists Columbus +1.5 at -155 and Minnesota -1.5 at +140. The total opened at 6.5 goals, with a lean toward the Over based on defensive vulnerabilities.
As public action and goalie confirmations roll in, expect the puck line and total markets to shift. Track updates on the NHL scores and odds board before placing bets.
Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to struggle across all phases of the game. They rank bottom five in goals allowed and are near the bottom in penalty kill percentage. With Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov rotating in net, goaltending has not been a steady presence.
Offensively, Columbus does have some bright spots in Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli, but they rank outside the top 20 in goals per game. Their road record is also a concern, with only four road wins all season and an average of 3.90 goals allowed per game in those contests.
Explore how Columbus fits into the broader Eastern Conference landscape with current projections.
Minnesota Wild Outlook
The Minnesota Wild are beginning to turn a corner after a rough start. Kirill Kaprizov leads the team in scoring, and the return of Jared Spurgeon has stabilized the blue line. The Wild rank middle of the pack in both scoring and goals against but have improved their penalty kill to over 82% in recent games.
At home, Minnesota has been reliable, especially when favored. Their last five wins at Xcel Energy Center have all come by two or more goals. Marc-André Fleury is expected to start and has allowed two goals or fewer in four of his last five starts.
The Wild are trending upward within the Central Division playoff race and remain a profitable team when playing against weaker opposition.
Key Matchup
The key battle in this game is Minnesota’s forecheck against Columbus’ puck management in the defensive zone. The Blue Jackets consistently struggle with turnovers under pressure and rank bottom five in giveaways per 60 minutes.
Minnesota forces turnovers at a high rate and creates scoring chances from the point. If Columbus cannot clear the zone and relieve pressure, they’re likely to be pinned for long stretches. Special teams will also favor Minnesota, especially on home ice where their PK numbers are stronger.
To understand how these style mismatches impact results, read the Concise Guide to Hockey Betting and alternate totals strategy.
Betting Trends
Columbus is 2-8 in its last ten games overall and has failed to cover the puck line in five of its last seven road contests. The Over has hit in six of their last eight games.
Minnesota is 6-3 in its last nine games and 5-2 ATS in its last seven at home. The Wild have scored four or more goals in five of their last six home wins.
The last four meetings between these teams have gone Over the total, with Minnesota winning three. Get updated betting trend snapshots in the NHL expert picks section.
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Prediction
This matchup leans heavily in Minnesota’s favor. The Wild are playing better hockey at home, showing improved special teams and goaltending. Meanwhile, Columbus continues to give up goals in bunches and has been unable to control pace or clear the puck under pressure.
Unless the Blue Jackets get a standout goaltending performance and capitalize on limited power play chances, they’re unlikely to stay close.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Wild 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2
Spread Pick: Minnesota -1.5
Total Lean: Over 6.5
Use the what does the spread mean guide and props betting breakdown to build multi-market betting tickets.
Why You Need Expert Picks
In matchups with a heavy favorite like Wild vs Blue Jackets, public money tends to inflate the line. Expert picks help identify sharp value across first-period bets, alternate lines, and totals.
Check the Handicappers Leaderboard to follow NHL experts with consistent puck line and Over/Under performance.
New to hockey betting? Start with the sports betting for beginners guide, learn about hedge betting, and see how parlay strategy can enhance your card.
