The Blues may not have slept since Wednesday night, following a nightmare-inducing loss against the Vegas Golden Knights where St. Louis blew a 3-1 lead.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, have been stuck in what has been a whole season of filled with misery. If the Mike Babcock controversy wasn't enough, the team has now only won four times in their last 15 games, leading many to speculate whether a bigger change could be coming.
Indeed, both teams are certainly looking to regain some footing and should make this game a close one with both teams having a split record in their last six games against each other at Nationwide Arena.
Bet: Blue Jackets team total over 2.5 goals (-165 DraftKings)
The Blues have been leaking in more goals than almost anyone, being tied with the Ducks in most goals against per game (4.00) over the last two weeks. The Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals in four of their last six games this season and have also hit this mark inseven of their last ten games against the Blues when playing at home.
Bet: Boone Jenner Under 0.5 points (+110 DraftKings)
I don’t want to diminish what Jenner has done to start this season and he’s been doing a great job at making the best of a bad situation with 18 points in 27 games this season. His problem is he is starting to slow down with two points in his last five games and in his last 15 games versus the Blues was held to no points ten times. His Jackets score and maybe he gets a plus but not a point.
Bet: Robert Thomas Over 1.5 shots on goal (-150 DraftKings)
The Blue Jackets are fourth-worst in the NHL in shots-against per game when playing at home this season, which means some of the Blues top gunners will have a chance to get some quality chances. Thomas has the most points on the Blues so far this season with 25 points in as many games. He is also averaging 2.04 shots per game this season which is over his line already, let alone he will get increased chances due to the Blue Jackets poor shot defense at home. It smells like a good recipe to me for Thomas to hit his over and possibly more.