The interconference duel between the Blue Jackets and Ducks is the last matchup on the NHL program for tonight, February 21st. The action on the ice will occur at Honda Center, and bookie apps see the home team, the Ducks, as the favorite, allocating -130 odds on a moneyline bet.
These two teams met at the end of October when Anaheim assumed the role of an underdog but managed to outscore Columbus 3-2. Columbus is playing back-to-back games in California, with their first matchup against the Kings on Tuesday ending in a 5-1 defeat. More rest time was available for the Ducks after Monday's 4-3 win over the Sabres.
Let's preview both teams and examine the odds for this NHL clash available for betting with a BetMGM sports promo code.
The Blue Jackets Are Up and Down
So far, Columbus's West Coast trip had its ups and downs. Things started well after the 4-3 win over the Sharks on Saturday, just to be disappointed on Tuesday against the Kings. As things stand, the Blue Jackets have an overall record of 17-27-10, with an 8-12-6 accomplishment on the road. It's worth noting that Columbus has a -20 goal differential on the road.
The Blue Jackets rank in the second half of the league in both offensive and defensive stats. Scoring is not at a high level, with 2.9 goals a game, with a shooting percentage of 9.7%. Yet, that is not the biggest issue, considering Columbus struggles defensively, conceding 3.70 goals per night, ranking them 31st.
Bookies expect Daniil Tarasov to be on the Columbus goal, and his save percentage of .877 is lower than the starter Elvis Merzlikins's save percentage of .904. Tarasov has given up 21 goals in his last five contests. Adam Fantilli will not be part of the Columbus roster tonight.
The Ducks Are Back Home
Anaheim performed relatively well during their four-game Eastern road tour, ending the trip with two wins and equal losses. The trip was headed in the right direction after a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, which was necessary to improve the negative impression left after the 9-2 loss to the Maple Leafs. The Ducks now have a 20-33-2 record.
Typically, it's favorable for a team to play at home, but the Ducks have not taken advantage of this unwritten rule, having an 8-18-1 record at the Honda Center with a -23 goal differential. Anaheim averages 2.56 goals per game, with a shooting percentage of 9.28%, and allows 3.52 goals per game.
John Gibson will probably start as a goaltender for tonight's game, and his save percentage of .900 is slightly below his career average of .911 but still respectable. The Ducks will play without Trevor Zegras, Brock McGinn, and Tristan Luneau for tonight's game.
Betting Prediction and Odds
Neither of these two teams is radiating confidence. It's a fact that the Blue Jackets play better on the road, while the Ducks tend to struggle at home. One worrying issue for Columbus is their goalie, Tarasov, who has allowed 21 goals in his last five starts. Another problem for the Blue Jackets is playing back-to-back games.
Sportsbooks with free bet offers provide +105 odds for a moneyline bet on the Columbus visiting team. The Ducks' -130 odds on a moneyline bet have already been revealed. The total is 6.5 goals with –125 odds for the Over bet and +105 odds for the Under bet. Coverage of the 1.5 puck line is valued at -225 odds for the Blue Jackets and +180 for the Ducks.
Related
Author
