Face-off: 1300 ET, 24/04/2022
Arena: Nationwide Arena
Edmonton’s recent form has been outstanding and they can power to a fifth straight victory when visiting Columbus.
The Blue Jackets have been a touch unfortunate to lose out in a series of tight tussles of late but look set to be just outgunned again at Nationwide Arena.
We like 6.5 for an away win by exactly two goals in our Columbus Blue Jackets vs Edmonton Oilers predictions.
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Columbus Blue Jackets Odds
Columbus have gone four games without a win after going down 2-1 via a shootout when hosting Ottawa on Friday.
Head coach Brad Larsen will be pleased with the spirit being shown by his young squad, but some key injuries are proving just too damaging.
Patrik Laine, Zach Werenski, Adam Boqvist, captain Boone Jenner, Alexandre Texier and Yegor Chinakhov were all absent against the Senators.
“We were the youngest going into the year, so start pulling some older guys out, we’re definitely on the younger side for sure,” said Larsen.
The experience being gained by some recent draft picks will stand the Blue Jackets in good stead, but competing with a quality outfit like Edmonton is tough under these circumstances.
Looking at the NHL odds, Columbus are capable of holding their own early on, though, so 2.85 for a draw after the first period may be achievable.
Edmonton Oilers Odds
Edmonton will be seeking to cement second place in the Pacific Division and maintain their strong momentum heading into the playoffs.
Thursday’s excellent 6-3 home win over Stanley Cup favourites Colorado extended their hot streak to 10-1-1.
Evander Kane hit a hat-trick against the Avalanche, while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been in the headlines all season.
However, coach Jay Woodcroft singled out Kailer Yamamoto as the kind of unsung hero who has helped the Oilers to flourish.
Woodcroft said: “I think one of our most physical guys is maybe our smallest player in stature in Yamamoto.
“Winning 50-50 puck battles, blocking a shot, making a play on the wall.
“I think we’ve seen great improvement over the last two months in that regard and those are the little things that go into winning.
“We’ve had the success we’ve had because players are laying it on the line in that fashion.”
There is no substitute for hard work and that has been reflected in some strong defensive displays.
Edmonton have kept the opposition to under two goals in half of their last 10 wins and 3.6 they do that again here completes our NHL predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
COLUMBUS 1-2 Ottawa (SO)
EDMONTON 6-3 Colorado
Season head-to-head: Edmonton 5-2 Columbus
