The Vancouver Canucks started the season with three straight losses, but once they found their footing, they haven't looked back.
Vancouver is in great shape to grab two points against a Columbus Blue Jackets team struggling mightily on the road, and my Blue Jackets vs. Canucks predictions see star center Elias Pettersson staying hot and taking advantage.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for December 6
Canucks vs Blue Jackets prediction
My Canucks pick
Elias Pettersson anytime goalscorer (+175 at Pinnacle)
My Canucks analysis
Elias Pettersson was a little slow out of the gate offensively, scoring just once over his first 10 games. He's since taken things up several notches, piling up six goals and 19 points spanning 14 games.
Pettersson’s spike in production isn’t a case of smoke and mirrors where percentages are simply working in his favor: He's earning these results.
Pettersson has generated 5.13 expected goals over the past 14 games. That sandwiches him directly between Kyle Connor and Kirill Kaprizov — two of the league’s most dangerous snipers.
The 41 scoring chances Pettersson has produced in that span also puts him on level pegging with names like William Nylander and Jack Hughes.
The point is Pettersson is really threatening as a shooter, certainly more so than early in the season.
Pettersson has to be chomping at the bit to get at the Columbus Blue Jackets. They've conceded 3.60 goals per game on the season and feature one of the league’s worst goaltending tandems.
Only the Colorado Avalanche — who are so desperate for goaltending they’ve already swung a trade — have a lower team save percentage.
The Blue Jackets have also struggled mightily on the road, winning just three times in 13 tries. Tonight marks their third road game in four nights as they continue to navigate their way through Western Canada.
As a cherry on top, Pettersson has found the back of the net in 45% of his home games this season (compared to 15% on the road). Head coach Rick Tocchet will be able to control the matchups and get Pettersson out in more favorable situations.
Canucks vs Blue Jackets Odds analysis
The Vancouver Canucks have taken serious money since opening, with the moneyline moving 19 cents in their favor since opening.
The market doesn’t seem to have much faith in the Blue Jackets, who are 3-8-2 on the road this year and playing their fourth road game since Sunday.
Columbus vs. Vancouver is probably a game Over backers will quickly be circling. The Blue Jackets own a 17-7-1 O/U record, while the Canucks come in at 13-10-1. Both teams tend to find themselves in high-scoring games.
Although the two sides don’t meet often, they’ve played some barn burners in recent years. Five straight head-to-head meetings have featured at least seven goals.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canucks vs Blue Jackets odds
Canucks vs Blue Jackets live odds
Canucks vs Blue Jackets opening odds
- Puck line: Columbus +1.5 (-151) | Vancouver -1.5 (+121)
- Moneyline: Columbus +157 | Vancouver -200
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-115) | Under 6 (-107)
Odds courtesy of Pinnacle
Canucks vs Blue Jackets trend
Elias Pettersson has scored in five straight games against Columbus, totaling seven goals in that span. Find more NHL betting trends for Canucks vs. Blue Jackets.
How to watch Canucks vs Blue Jackets
| Location: | Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC |
| Date: | Friday, 12-6-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet Pacific |
Canucks vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
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