Welcome to a weekend edition of NHL Predictions! It is the first weekend of 2025. If you are a student or a teacher, you are likely in the final days of your winter break, although the weather may change that in quite a few states. Regardless of your location, we are glad you are joining us today. Today’s prediction covers the game between the St. Louis Blues and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Time: 7:00 P.M. Eastern Time
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio
The Blues and Blue Jackets are meeting for the first time this season. However, they will face one another twice in the next seven days, so the season series will be over rather quickly. The Blues lead the all-time series 55-34-3-1.
Last season, the Jackets won the season series, shutting out the Blues in one game and limiting them to just two goals in the other. It was the first time since the 2014-15 season that the Blue Jackets swept the season series with the Blues. Furthermore, it is also the Jackets won the season series with the Blue Note.
Blue Note Head to Ohio After Stop in St. Louis
The Blues are playing their second of back-to-back games. After playing a home game on Friday, the team heads to Ohio to face their former division rivals. As a result, we can expect a different lineup from the Blues on Saturday. The team is dealing with some injuries and illnesses, which can also play a factor in the lineup.
The Blue Note are just four points out of the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference. There is an opportunity to collect points in the coming week. The Blues will be facing teams with losing records in three of their next four games. There is a big opportunity for the Blues to grab six points. Depending on how games go elsewhere, the Blues may very well find themselves in a playoff spot by next weekend. However, the Blues have to take it one shift at a time.
Jackets Within Striking Distance in the Eastern Conference
The Blue Jackets are also just a few points out of a playoff spot. The team’s determination and fight have been remarkable this year. The organization has been playing the entire season with a heavy heart following the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau prior to the start of training camp.
It is unclear if the Blue Jackets are going to make a push for the playoffs or if they will look to build for the future. They have been mentioned in some trade rumours in the last few weeks. Of course, plans can change quickly. There is still plenty of time between now and the trade deadline. Furthermore, being involved in trade rumours does not mean a team will not be making a push for the playoffs. The Blues have been involved in some rumours, and they are aiming for the playoffs.
Prediction
The Blues are playing for a second straight night. Furthermore, they are dealing with various illnesses and injuries. The Blue Jackets have not played since Thursday. As we sometimes do, we are going to choose the team with more rest.
Blue Jackets win, 3-2.
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are predicting exactly five combined goals.
For prop bets, we are picking forward Sean Kuraly as an anytime scorer for the Blue Jackets. He has only three goals on the season, but he is capable of putting the puck in the net. For the Blues, we are picking youngster Zachary Bolduc as an anytime scorer.
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Main Photo: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: January 4th St. Louis Blues Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.