🏒 Bruins vs. Blue Jackets Prediction & Odds: NHL Picks Today (April 12)
A crucial win yesterday kept the Columbus Blue Jackets in the playoff hunt, but theyβll need to keep that momentum going today. They return home to Nationwide Arena for a key matchup against the visiting Boston Bruins. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, with coverage on NHL Network.
My Bruins vs. Blue Jackets prediction breaks down why the hosts will use the pressure of the game to get the job done and continue the woes for a Bruins team that has lost five straight. I'm also going to highlight a player on the host Blue Jackets who will need to be instrumental in today's tilt.
π Bruins vs. Blue Jackets picks & odds today: April 12
See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.
| Bet type | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Jackets moneyline (-150 via FanDuel) | 0.5u -> 0.33u | The pressure is on at home for the Jackets, who can't let up if they want to reach the playoffs |
| Under 6.5 (-120 via bet365) | 1u -> 0.83u | A tight, defensive affair should be in store |
| Charlie Coyle to record 1+ points (+100 via DraftKings) | 0.5u -> 0.5u | The Jackets will need production from down the lineup to find success |
Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 1.66 units
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π° Bruins vs. Blue Jackets prediction & best bet
Under 6.5 (-120)
This should have a "playoff-like" atmosphere as the Jackets scrap for the postseason, and that generally lends itself to tight play. The Bruins have clinched a playoff spot with very little wiggle room left, so they may choose to rest some starters or give extra minutes to the back end of the lineup.
Jet Greaves has been playing well enough for the Jackets that he should be expected to slow a Bruins team that is mired in a slump, scoring just one goal in four of its last five games.
I'm good here, or Under 6 at plus-money.
Score prediction: Blue Jackets 4, Bruins 1
π₯ Best Bruins vs. Blue Jackets player prop bet
Charlie Coyle to record 1+ points (+100)
The former Bruin, Coyle, netted twice yesterday and is having one of the best seasons of his career. He's an engine of Columbus' middle six and gets time with the top power-play unit.
The real move behind this play is the revenge factor, the "do-or-die" nature of the game, and the coaching staff's trust in the pivot. He'll find himself in the faceoff dot, where he should be able to propel the Jackets to possession in the offensive zone. He scored against the Bruins when they met just a couple of weeks ago.
Despite recent offensive woes, Boston hasn't been bad defensively. I just see them on the wrong side of this game, and the Jackets will need production from up and down the lineup to continue to keep the postseason hopes alive.
The +100 price is nice, but I don't mind it down to -110.
π Live Bruins vs. Blue Jackets odds
The Jackets opened slightly shorter at -140, but early action quickly pulled them away, as the gravity of the game and the Bruins' slump have bettors favoring the home side. However, short of a major lineup dump by the Bruins, we shouldn't see a lot more movement here.
Despite the Under 6.5 trading at plus-money at bet365, we've actually seen it move to a flat six (before moving back to 6.5) at some of the best sports betting apps
π Bruins vs. Blue Jackets same-game parlay
A tight game tending to the Under favors a moneyline play instead of the spread, although I wouldn't be shocked to see Columbus win by two or more. I also see Coyle as instrumental to Columbus' success - if it's happening - so we'll round out the SGP with that.
I like to place my SGPs at bet365, as I find it offers some of the best sportsbook promos. It's always important to shop around for boosts and other promotions.
💵 Bruins vs. Blue Jackets SGP picks
- Under 6.5 (-120)
- Blue Jackets moneyline (-150)
- Coyle to record 1+ points (-110)
Best odds: +470 via bet365 (0.2u -> 1.14u)
π΅ My betting record for NHL picks
All NHL picks have been tracked since March 3
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8-13 | -1.05 units β | -8.4% β |
| Player props | 4-3 | +1.68 units β | 35.3% β |
π‘ How I'm betting Bruins vs. Blue Jackets
Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.
I'm taking it easy on this one, dedicating just two units split across the three plays. Normally, I'd back the Bruins in this type of game, but given the motivation factor it's hard to apply normal considerations.
When one team has clinched its spot in the postseason, and one team that absolutely can't lose, and just two games left in the season, a lot of normal analysis goes out the door: it's not a normal game.
No need to get carried away.
π Bruins vs. Blue Jackets betting trends
| Bruins | Statistic | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| 43-27-10 | W-L record | 40-28-12 |
| 53-27 | ATS record | 40-40 |
| 42-36-2 | O/U record | 37-39-4 |
| 0-3-2 | Last 5 games | 2-3 |
π Bruins vs. Blue Jackets injuries
πΊ How to watch Bruins vs. Blue Jackets
- Date: Sunday, April 12
- Puck drop: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio)
- TV: NHL Network
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