The Vancouver Canucks (34-26-12) travel to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (32-29-9) on Friday, March 28th. This game will be played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus and televised on ESPN+. The Canucks are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Blue Jackets are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Capitals. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Canucks vs Blue Jackets

The Vancouver Canucks Are Coming Off A Win

With a 3-2 win over the Sharks, the Canucks improved to 34-26-12 this season. Vancouver was favored on the puck line, but failed to cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 5 goals fell short of that mark.

Vancouver trailed 1-0 early in the second period, but Pius Suter tied it up at 5:19 in the second. Jake DeBrusk gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead in the third period, but the Sharks tied it again with just 1:17 left. Suter scored the game-winner with only 26 seconds remaining.

The Columbus Blue Jackets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Columbus dropped to 32-29-9 after a 7-2 loss to the Capitals. The game total was set at 6.5 goals, but the teams combined for 9. As underdogs on the puck line, the Blue Jackets failed to cover.

Columbus fell behind early, allowing five goals in the first period. Damon Severson scored their first goal at 19:11 in the second period, making it 5-1. Kevin Labanc added another goal later in the second.

Vancouver Offense Breakdown

Pius Suter led the way for the Canucks with two goals, including his third and fourth of the season. He found the net at the 5:19 mark in the second period and again with just 26 seconds left in the game. Jake DeBrusk added his first goal of the season at 4:22 in the third period.

The Canucks took 27 shots on goal but also had 25 giveaways. None of their goals came on power plays, and all three were scored in the second and third periods after a scoreless first.

Blue Jackets Offense Breakdown

Columbus took 36 shots on goal in their 7-2 loss to the Capitals, but only found the net twice. Damon Severson scored his fourth goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his second. After a scoreless first period, the Blue Jackets got on the board with Severson’s goal, 49 seconds into the second period.

Columbus recorded 13 giveaways and picked up three assists, with Sean Monahan earning his fifth assist of the season. Zach Aston-Reese added his second assist, and Adam Fantilli contributed his fourth.

Vancouver Team Defense

Vancouver’s defense gave up the first goal 2:37 into the second period and another at 18:43 in the third, but the Canucks’ late goal secured a 3-2 win. Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, and the defense added 5 takeaways and 24 hits.

Columbus Team Defense

Defensively, the Blue Jackets will want to forget their previous game, as they gave up 7 goals on just 22 shots from the Capitals. Goalie Daniil Tarasov had a rough outing, posting a 68.2% save percentage. Five of the goals came in the first period, and the defense allowed another late in the 3rd after Columbus had cut the lead to 6-2. The Blue Jackets’ defense did finish with 17 hits and 10 takeaways.

Canucks vs Blue Jackets Trends

• Across their last three road contests, Vancouver has been good against the puck line posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1, while averaging 4 goals per game.
• In their last three home games, Columbus has averaged 0 goals per game while allowing 2. The team’s record in this stretch was 0-3 while going 2-1.
• Going back to their previous five games as the underdog, Columbus has an puck line mark of 3-2 while going 1-4 straight up.
• In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Canucks have a straight up record of 4-6 and an puck line mark of 2-8.

Canucks vs Blue Jackets Prediction

For a moneyline bet, I’m backing the Blue Jackets to secure a victory over the Canucks at home. With the moneyline currently set at -115, I’m locking in my bet on the Blue Jackets straight-up.

When making a puck line pick, we’re backing the Blue Jackets to win and cover. Watch for the Blue Jackets to win this game by multiple goals over the Canucks.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.