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The Colorado Avalanche (9-5-1) and Columbus Blue Jackets (5-7-0) will meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Avalanche are favored at -125 on the moneyline, with the Blue Jackets at +105 to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 6.5 (+105o / -125u).
Let's get into our Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets predictions and NHL picks.
Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets Prediction
Our Colorado vs. Columbus best bet is for Sam Malinski to exceed his shot prop, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your NHL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NHL odds page.
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Avalanche vs Blue Jackets Odds
| Avalanche Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +195 | 6.5 105o / -125u | -125 |
| Blue Jackets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -238 | 6.5 105o / -125u | +105 |
- Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets puck line: Avalanche -1.5 (+195), Blue Jackets +1.5 (-238)
- Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets over/under: 6.5 (+105o / -125u)
- Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets moneyline: Avalanche -125, Blue Jackets +105
- Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets best bet: Sam Malinski Over 1.5 Shots on Goal
Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets Preview
Much like Noah Hanifin, Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski has seen a notable and profitable uptick in his shot volume over recent weeks.
Malinski experienced a relatively quiet start to the campaign, logging just 11 shots on goal across his first 10 appearances. Since that initial sluggish stretch, however, the blueliner has noticeably dialed up his assertiveness, firing nine shots on goal over his last five games.
Colorado's coaching staff has increasingly leaned on Malinski's puck-moving instincts from the back end, and he has responded by consistently looking to funnel chances toward the crease.
Malinski currently ranks 10th on the Avalanche with 3.4 shot attempts per game, and with 17 of those attempts getting blocked—the sixth-highest mark on the team—his willingness to trigger from distance is undeniable.
That aggressive offensive mindset is nothing new for the 26-year-old. Malinski established his ceiling as a legit offensive contributor last season, breaking out with a 40-point campaign while averaging exactly 2.0 shots on goal per game. When he is given the green light to jump into the rush and activate from the point, he has the playmaking acumen to tilt the ice.
Tonight’s matchup against Columbus provides the ideal runway for that shooting volume to translate into on-target production. The Blue Jackets’ defensive zone coverage routinely hemorrhages opportunities to opposing defensemen, ranking 27th in the NHL by allowing 8.3 shots on goal per game from the blue line.
Columbus struggles to close out quickly on high point cycles, leaving generous shooting lanes for mobile defenders.
With Malinski finding his offensive rhythm and facing one of the friendliest blue-line matchups in the league, expect his aggressive shooting trend to stay hot.
Best Bet: Sam Malinski Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (+105, DraftKings)
