Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their West Coast road trip as they face the Anaheim Ducks tonight from Honda Center in Orange County, California. Puck-drop between the two sides is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EST between the two sides.
Weirdly, this is one of the biggest games of the season but not for playoff seeding. Both of these teams sit towards the bottom of the standings and are competing for the worst record to have the better odds at landing the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. The Blue Jackets currently sit in last place within the NHL and the Ducks aren’t far ahead of them, trailing by only a few games. A win here for the Blue Jackets would pull Anaheim closer while a win for Anaheim would have them falling farther away of the pack in the race.
The Blue Jackets had hoped that their season would turn out better than this, especially after an active offseason. Wing Johnny Gaudreau was the big signing of the offseason and this team was supposed to be competing but the worst case scenario happened. They have really struggled all season long and it hasn’t been pretty to watch. Columbus hasn’t been a very good team away from home this season and will have their hands full with a youthful Ducks squad tonight.
Anaheim comes in having lost two straight games but they have been playing better of late. Their recent winning has vaulted them out of the cellar and it has been a bittersweet sight for fans. The team is better off losing in the short-term to maximize their chances at a better draft pick but this is a prideful team that is determined to give their best effort each time out on the ice. It has been a struggle for the Ducks all season long on both sides of the ice. They have a hard time generating offense and gives up goals almost at ease to opponents. As they face a team that is behind them in the standings, Anaheim should look to play with pace if they want to win.
Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets 4, Anaheim Ducks 2
The Ducks took down the Blue Jackets earlier in the season on the road but I think the Blue Jackets get them back here. Give me Columbus to grab another win on the road.
Odds Presented By Betfred Sportsbook
Spread – Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (-240) / Anaheim Ducks -1.5 (+190)
Moneyline – Columbus Blue Jackets +100 / Anaheim Ducks -120
Total – 6.5 – Over (-130) / Under (+110)
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