Columbus Blue Jackets - New York Rangers predictions and free betting tips [25/02/2024]

The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the New York Rangers in a regular NHL Championship match.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have overcome a nine-match losing streak, thanks to a victorious performance by Lafreniere in a shootout series against the Rangers, winning 4:3. From that moment, in the subsequent 41 matches, their result stood at 14-21-6, an improvement despite difficulties, including a recent loss to Buffalo Sabres by 2:1, leaving them with 46 points this season. Dmitry Voronkov stood out, scoring his 15th power-play goal but the team struggled to convert chances, failing to score in 12 season games.

The Blue Jackets continue to adapt to changes, calling up Zachary Bolduc from the AHL to strengthen their attack and reorganizing their defence in light of injuries. The team is keen to return to form reminiscent of their early-season success.

On average, Columbus' attack scores 2.92 goals per game, with a power-play success rate of 14.4%. Johnny Gaudreau stands out with 8 goals and 32 assists, while Kirill Marchenko leads in scored goals with 16. Kirill Marchenko also leads in points with 29 and Dmitri Voronkov has 15 goals and 28 points, while Yegor Chinakhov has 15 goals and 27 points. Ivan Provorov has contributed 4 goals and 21 assists in 56 matches. The team's defence is struggling, conceding an average of 3.7 goals per game, which ranks them 31st in the league with a penalty kill success rate of 76.1%. The goaltending duo of Daniil Tarasov and Elvis Merzlikins is trying to stabilize the game, despite inconsistent results.

New York Rangers

New York Rangers maintain their impressive performance, achieving the franchise's third 10-match winning streak, matching the milestones from 1939-1940 and 1973. This achievement follows the start of the year with a 11-12-2 record in the previous 25 matches, signifying a drastic improvement in the team form, capable of outscoring opponents with an overall score difference of 41:19. This string of victories has allowed the Rangers to level the points with Boston Bruins, sitting on 81 points in the Eastern Conference, having been 8 points behind earlier.

The winning streak began with a solid victory over Ottawa by 7:2 and continued with impressive performances, including a hard-fought match against Philadelphia Flyers where the Rangers managed to hold onto a 2:1 victory. In that game, Igor Shesterkin made 39 saves, winning his sixth game in a row, while Jonathan Quick prepares to take to the ice in the next match against Columbus.

In attack, the Rangers show high performance, scoring an average of 3.34 goals per game, and converting 25.1% of power-play opportunities. Artemi Panarin stands out with 32 goals and 46 assists, while Adam Fox and Chris Kreider make significant contributions to the team's success. The team's defence also holds a high standard, conceding only 2.71 goals per game, and repelling 83.2% of opponents’ power play attempts.

Recent matches highlight the Rangers' unity and determination to overcome difficulties, including a victory even when the opponents put pressure in the third period. This winning streak not only pushed the team up in the league table, it also boosted their confidence and preparedness for the next challenges and the pursuit of new records.

Head-to-Head 

In the last 10 encounters with Columbus, New York has 7 victories. In the match of 13th November 2023, the Rangers won against Columbus by 4:3 in a shootout series. Previously on 15th October 2023, Columbus defeated the Rangers by 5:3. In the meeting of 9th April 2023, the Rangers were stronger, winning against Columbus by 4:0. On 29th March 2023, the Rangers also dominated, defeating Columbus by 6:2. In the match of 17th January 2023, the Rangers proved their superiority again, winning by 3:1.

Predictions for the match: Columbus Blue Jackets – New York Rangers

Panarin's team has an obvious advantage on all fronts, fighting for a high playoff seeding, while Columbus have lost their motivation. I am betting on the Rangers' victory.