The New York Rangers (32-28-6) travel to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (31-26-8) on Saturday, March 15th. This game will be played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus and televised on ESPN+. The Rangers 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.

Rangers vs Blue Jackets

The New York Rangers Are Coming Off A Win

With a 5-2 win over the Islanders, the Rangers improved to 32-28-6. Entering the game as -1.5 goal favorites, the Rangers covered the puck line. The total was set at 6 goals, and the combined 7 goals surpassed that mark.

Four different players scored for the Rangers, with Artemi Panarin leading the way with two goals. The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the Islanders scored, but they pulled away with two more goals in the third period.

The Columbus Blue Jackets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Columbus dropped to 31-26-8 after a 7-2 road loss to the Capitals. The Blue Jackets, underdogs on the puck line, allowed the game’s first goal just 56 seconds in. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 9 goals easily surpassed that figure.

Columbus gave up five goals in the first period, and their defense struggled throughout. Damon Severson scored the Blue Jackets’ first goal, 49 seconds into the second period, with the score already at 5-0.

New York Offense Breakdown

Artemi Panarin led the way for the Rangers with two goals in their 5-2 win over the Islanders. He now has eight and nine goals on the season, with his second goal coming on an empty net. Chris Kreider opened the scoring with his 8th goal, which came on a shorthanded opportunity. Vincent Trocheck added his 4th goal, while Adam Edstrom netted his first of the season.

Mika Zibanejad contributed with three assists, bringing his total to eight this year. The Rangers fired 40 shots on goal and scored their third goal on a power play.

Blue Jackets Offense Breakdown

Columbus took 36 shots on goal but only found the net twice in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson scored his fourth goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his second. The Blue Jackets were shut out in the first period before Severson scored 49 seconds into the second period.

Despite the 36 shots on goal, Columbus struggled with 13 giveaways. Sean Monahan picked up his fifth assist of the season on Labanc’s goal, and Zach Aston-Reese recorded his second assist.

New York Team Defense

Defensively, the Rangers gave up two goals to the Islanders. The first came at the 15:22 mark of the 2nd period, and the second was scored with just 8 seconds left in the 2nd. Igor Shesterkin made 35 saves with a 94.6% save percentage, while the Rangers’ defense added 10 takeaways, 19 hits, and 18 blocks.

Columbus Team Defense

Defensively, Columbus struggled in their previous game, allowing the first five goals and seven overall. Daniil Tarasov managed 15 saves but had a save percentage of just 68.2%. The Blue Jackets’ defense also finished with 10 takeaways and 17 hits.

Rangers vs Blue Jackets Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, New York has an puck line record of 2-1 while averaging 2 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
• When looking at their past ten home matchups, Columbus has an puck line record of 9-1 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 7-3 overall in these games.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting underdog, the Blue Jackets have gone 1-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-4.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Rangers have an puck line record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 4-1.

Rangers vs Blue Jackets Prediction

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Blue Jackets to take down the Rangers at home. With the moneyline currently at +110, I’m placing my bet on the Blue Jackets straight-up.

If you’re looking to get a bet down on this matchup, we foresee the Blue Jackets winning the underdog. However, if you’re not as confident in the Blue Jackets straight-up, we’d still recommend placing a bet on them to cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6.5 goals, we like this game to remain below that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the under.

---

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.