Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: SNP, FDSNOH
As the playoff chase heats up the Vancouver Canucks (34-26–12) continue their six-game road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets (32–29-9). This game has huge playoff implications for each team as they chase a wild card spot. The Canucks beat the Blue Jackets 5-2 in their only other meeting this season. Who will get the two points tonight?
Canucks Continue to Overcome Injuries
The Canucks are 2-1-1 so far on their road trip as the make their fifth stop in Columbus. They have been propelled by the return of starting netminder Thatcher Demko. He has collected both wins on the trip after returning against the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, the same night Demko returned centre Elias Pettersson and winger Nils Hoglander joined a growing list of injured forwards.
With all the injuries Pius Suter has assumed the top-line centre responsibilities. Since then he has recorded four points in two games. He and Demko are two of the main reasons why the Canucks have been able to secure victories lately. Of course having Quinn Hughes healthy helps immensely. He is averaging 25:30 of ice time a game while playing over 30 minutes twice so far on the road trip. They will need him on the ice just as much again tonight as he is in the 98th percentile when it comes to offensive zone time in the NHL.
Aatu Räty Recalled to the Vancouver Canucks Because of Losses
Blue Jackets Back in The Win Column
Columbus was on the verge of falling out of the playoff race altogether during a recent six-game losing streak. However, they were able to end it in their last game on Monday against the New York Islanders leaving them within striking distance of a wild card spot. They too have been ravished by injuries and just had a important player return. They got top line centre Sean Monahan back just in time for him to collect two assists in the victory.
The similarities between these two teams don’t stop there. Just like Hughes in Vancouver the Blue Jackets have a Norris Trophy candidate leading the way for their team. Zach Werenski is having a career year leading Columbus in assists and points. He is averaging over 27 minutes on ice a night! Who knows where they would be without him. He will look to continue to propel the Blue Jackets in the game tonight.
NHL Predictions Canucks and Blue Jackets
Being so vital to their teams success expect both Hughes and Werenski to play over their season averages in ice time. Whatever star defenceman has the stronger performance will tilt the ice in their teams favour. Another important area to watch will be if this game turns into a special teams battle. If so, then advantage to Vancouver. If not, then Columbus is a better even strength team. Finally, this time of year goaltending is always important. Both Demko and Elvis Merzlikins will look to lead their team to victory tonight.
Prediction: Columbus wins 3-2 in overtime
Prop Bets of The Night
For the Canucks Suter has been carrying the offensive load. He is +250 as an anytime goal scorer. For the Blue Jackets Werenski has tied a career high with 20 goals on the season so far. He is +340 to score tonight. The game going to overtime has odds of +330.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions Vancouver Canucks at Columbus Blue Jackets on March 28th appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.