Blue Jackets vs. Ducks Odds, Preview, Prediction: Unlikely Favorites Have the Edge (Sunday, April 17)
Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images. Pictured: Ryan Getzlaf.
- Despite a long run of poor play, the Ducks are favored tonight against the Blue Jackets.
- Columbus played the Kings last night, while Anaheim has been off since Thursday.
- Tony Sartori breaks down the matchup and makes his betting pick below.
Blue Jackets vs. Ducks Odds
| Blue Jackets Odds | +125 |
| Ducks Odds | -155 |
| Over/Under | 6 (-110/-110) |
| Time | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
Two sixth-place teams face off on Sunday night, when the Blue Jackets head to Orange County to face the Ducks. This is the second meeting between these two teams this season, with Anaheim winning the first matchup 2-1 back at the beginning of December.
Will the Ducks take care of business once again, or can the Blue Jackets pull off the road upset?
Blue Jackets Enter Matchup Trending Downward
The Columbus Blue Jackets enter this contest on the second half of a road back-to-back following Saturday's game against the Kings.
The Blue Jackets entered Saturday's game against Los Angeles 3-8 in their previous 11 games and 2-7 in their last nine games as an underdog.
Since they're on the second half of a back-to-back, we can expect Jean-Francois Berube to get the start between the pipes for the Blue Jackets. Berube has allowed three or more goals in all four of his appearances in net this season, though those are not entirely his fault as the defense in front of him is brutal.
This season, the Blue Jackets rank just 31st in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA). Their offense is not much better, ranking 25th in 5-on-5 expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF).
Anaheim Favored Despite Incredible Rough Patch
The Ducks enter this contest much more rested than Columbus, having last played on Thursday night, when they lost in overtime to the Lightning. While Anaheim has lost what feels like every game since the beginning of March, I understand why it's favored here and I agree with It.
With only three home games left on the schedule and the other two coming against the Los Angeles Kings and the St. Louis Blues, this matchup presents the last likely opportunity to win at home this season. Not only is this game Anaheim's last good opportunity to win at home, but it's also the last good chance for captain Ryan Getzlaf to get a home win before retirement.
We should get a spirited effort from the Ducks considering the circumstances, which is why I believe they are favored in this game despite losing 16 of their last 18 games. It is worth noting that over their last 19 games when priced as a favorite, the Ducks are 13-6.
Anaheim does also have the edge in the metrics for this game, as it ranks higher than Columbus in both 5-on-5 expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF) and 5-on-5 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA). The Ducks seem to have Columbus' number over the last few years as well considering they have won five of the last six meetings.
Blue Jackets vs. Ducks Pick
More rested on home ice, I like the Ducks to get this thing done in the most-likely final home win for their captain. Despite their lack of wins since the beginning of March, Anaheim still owns the analytical advantage over the Blue Jackets.
Anaheim went on the road and beat Columbus earlier this season, and I think they do the same thing at home.
Pick: Ducks -140 (play to -155)
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