The Boston Bruins have been one of the biggest surprises to start the season going 7-1-0 to kick off the campaign, and currently riding a four-game winning streak. They are playing their second game of a back-to-back after defeating the Detroit Red Wings 5-1 on home ice last night during the return of Brad Marchand.
The Columbus Blue Jackets' last five games have been a tad inconsistent. They’re coming off of a bad loss at home against the Arizona Coyotes — a game in which they completely outplayed the ‘Yotes — they just couldn’t bury the puck or keep it out of their own net.
Columbus is well rested and hungry for a bounce-back game, while Boston is trying to extend its win streak to five. Which team will come away with the win tonight? Find out in our NHL betting picks and predictions for Bruins vs. Blue Jackets on October 28.
Bruins vs Blue Jackets best odds
Bruins vs Blue Jackets picks and predictions
The Boston Bruins have been incredible during this four-game win streak on both ends of the ice. During this span, they have outscored their opponents by a combined 13-6 and have only allowed two goals against in their previous two games.
The Bruins are getting strong goaltending from both of their netminders — Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. Swayman started last night's contest so it is very likely that we will see Ullmark get the nod tonight. I’d say Ullmark has been the better of the two thus far this season, posting a 5-0-0 record with a .936 SV% and a 2.01 GAA with a +2.9 GSAx.
As a team, Boston is only allowing 2.63 goals per game which has it as the league's sixth-best defensive team. Not only has the defense been outstanding, but the B’s have been putting pucks in the back of the net as well. They’re currently scoring 4.25 goals per game, which is second best in the NHL, and they have a +2.68 goals for above expected with a 56.14% expected goals.
Columbus has been nowhere near as consistent as Boston, but it should not be counted out right away. The Blue Jackets have a solid roster, they just haven’t been able to put it together just yet. What’s most concerning is that Columbus has yet to score a power play goal, going 0-for-20.
The Blue Jackets haven’t even gotten close to their offensive potential, but they are averaging 3.13 goals per game, which is okay, but not when you’re also allowing 4.13 goals against per game.
Elvis Merzlikins has been confirmed as the starting goalie for Columbus and it’s been a very rough start for him. He is 2-2-0 with a .863 SV% and a 4.06 GAA with a -6.1 GSAx.
The Bruins have the edge in almost every area of the ice, even though they are playing for the second night in a row, they have been on fire and I have to stick with that. I like them to win this one in regulation with great value.
My best bet: Bruins 3-way moneyline (+100 at BetMGM)
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Bruins vs Blue Jackets moneyline analysis
Last season the Bruins won all three meetings against Columbus so this is no unfamiliar foe for the B’s. There was a lot of concern about the Bruins going into this season with all of the injuries they were dealing with, but they have proved all of the doubters wrong with the way they have started.
The Blue Jackets had a lot of hype coming into the season thanks to adding one of the best forwards in the NHL during the summer — Johnny Gaudreau.
Columbus has won three out of its last five games, but it hasn't necessarily played a complete sixty minutes in any of those contests. I have not seen a complete performance from the Blue Jackets quite yet this season, but the Bruins have been almost the exact opposite. Until Columbus can figure it out, I don’t think it is beating a team as strong as Boston.
Bruins vs Blue Jackets Over/Under analysis
The Bruins have been so good defensively, especially when Linus Ullmark has been in the blue paint, so I don’t think that Columbus will have much offensive production tonight.
The Blue Jackets have struggled to generate much this season, currently ranked in the Bottom 5 of the league when it comes to getting chances — averaging 9.43 per game. On the other side of the puck, they are allowing the most scoring chances against in the NHL, giving up 13.00 per game so the Bruins should be able to dominate in the offensive zone.
Boston has been one of the best defensive teams in the league and doesn't allow its opponents to get many chances. The B’s rank second right now, only giving up 9.15 scoring chances against per game.
With Columbus struggling offensively and the Bruins being so sound defensively, I don’t see many goals being scored. I like the Under.
Bruins vs Blue Jackets betting trend to know
The Bruins are 4-1 in the last five meetings in Columbus. . Find more NHL betting trends for Bruins vs Blue Jackets.
Bruins vs Blue Jackets game info
| Location: | Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date: | Friday, October 28, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NESN, Bally Sports |
