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Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Odds, Picks, Predictions: Can New York Capitalize in Columbus?

Neil Parker

Last Updated: January 16, 2023 7:01 AM EST • 2 min 50 sec read.

The Columbus Blue Jackets walloped the New York Rangers 5-1 in late October, and Monday’s matchup will be the first meeting between the two clubs since. Read on for our best Rangers vs. Blue Jackets NHL pick based on the top odds.

The Blueshirts hit the highway for Nationwide Arena following a 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. And while this is a back-to-back spot with travel, New York has shined away from the Big Apple with a 13-5-3 road record while allowing the fourth-fewest goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five.

So, with Columbus reeling along a 6-15 stretch dating back to Dec. 1, the Rangers trading as a monster road favorite isn’t surprising. The Blue Jackets also rank fifth-last in both Corsi For percentage and expected goals percentage at five-on-five.

Additionally, New York projects to turn to Jaroslav Halak in net after Igor Shesterkin started Sunday. Halak’s year-long numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s won three consecutive games with a rock-solid .918 save percentage and 2.34 GAA. The veteran backup is a considerable downgrade from Shersterkin, but oddsmakers aren’t giving prospective New York bettors any discounts.

Here is our best Canadiens vs. Rangers NHL pick (odds via BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook and PointsBet; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Check out our NHL best bets.

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Game Info

  • Date: Monday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. ET
  • TV: NHLPP, ESPN+
  • Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Odds

Check out our complete list of NHL odds!

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Odds Analysis

The Rangers opened as a -200 favorite on the moneyline at most shops, and that’s the asking price at three of our five top-rated sportsbooks as of Monday morning. DraftKings Sportsbook has the highest vig at -205, whereas Caesars is listing New York with -195 chalk. There hasn’t been significant early action on this game, but I’m expecting the Rangers to take the majority of money and the line to move in their direction leading into puck drop.

While there is a higher vig attached to the Over 6.5 at Caesars, BetMGM and PointsBet as of Monday morning, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Under action come in throughout the day. This is a back-to-back spot for the Blueshirts, and they’ve been stingy on the road.

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Pick

Under 6.5 (-105) ⭐⭐⭐

As noted, the Rangers have been road warriors all season, and they’ve been especially sound defensively away from Madison Square Garden. 

I’m expecting the back-to-back spot to take a slight offensive toll, but have little impact on New York’s attention to defensive detail. In particular, it’s a top-heavy lineup jumping the boards for the Blue Jackets, and I’m anticipating the Rangers holding Columbus’ best players in check.

Additionally, I’m encouraged by Halak’s noted recent form, and this sets up as a bounce-back opportunity for the Rangers. Following a slow start, New York has found a groove to the tune of an active 13-3-2 record while allowing the fifth-fewest goals per 60 at five-on-five (2.01).

Finally, while Columbus has been a hot mess defensively of late and all season, I’m just not expecting the Rangers to completely capitalize on Monday’s soft matchup. Additionally, there’s statistical correction in the goals column ahead for New York. The Rangers rank third-last in expected goals per 60 at five-on-five during their noted 18-game heater.

There’s uncertainty in the Columbus crease after No. 1 goalie Joonas Korpisalo missed Saturday’s game due to personal reasons, and I’m also wary of the Blue Jackets’ second-worst .903 team save percentage at five-on-five. Those two question marks lower this Under to a three-star recommendation. 

Check out our Stanley Cup odds.

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets Best Odds

BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet (-105)

DraftKingsFanDuelBetMGMCaesarsPointsBet
-110-114 ❄️-105-105-105

While there isn't a huge disparity in the odds across our top-rated sportsbooks, FanDuel Sportsbook isn't the spot to place this bet. You're gaining a 2% edge and 4% positive expected value with -105 odds compared to -114.

Additionally, I believe the odds at FanDuel are accurate, and the Under should be carrying the higher vig.

Rangers-Blue Jackets pick made 1/16/2023 at 9 a.m. ET.

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Written By:
Neil Parker
A lifelong Cowboys, Cubs, Maple Leafs and Gators supporter, Neil has been covering sports in print and online since 2011. His past stops include USA TODAY, theScore, DraftKings Playbook and RotoWire among others. He's a graduate of St. Thomas University and Acadia University and spends ample time at KenWo Golf Club.