The Blue Jackets host the Jets tonight in Columbus. The non-conference clash features two of the league's highest-scoring teams. Does that mean the smart play is to take the total 'over' or will it stay 'under'?
The first-month report from the NHL is out, and the numbers reveal that scoring is at its highest rate in nearly 30 years, with 6.5 goals per game standing as the highest at this stage since 1995-96. Through Thursday's games, 822 even-strength goals mark the most since 1989-90 (837).
Two of the higher-scoring teams meet tonight in Columbus, as the Winnipeg Jets meet the Columbus Blue Jackets in a non-conference clash.
WHY THE OVER: The Jets lead the league with 4.60 goals-for-per-game, an offensive surge that has led to their 9-1-0 start to the season. They scored four or more goals in seven of their 10 games. The Jackets, meanwhile, rank eighth in the league with 3.89 goals-for-per-game, and they've scored six or more goals in four of their first nine.
WHY THE UNDER: Three of the last four meetings have stayed under the posted number, while the last three played in Columbus stayed low. As the better team, the Jets will likely dictate the pace in this one, and since the second of a two-game trip that started in Detroit on Wednesday, they may come in a little sluggish and play heavy.
All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
THE PICK - OVER 6.5, -115: Expect a high-scoring game tonight, as Winnipeg's last four games are averaging 8.2 goals per game since two Thursdays back. The Jets haven't scored less than four goals in any of the games, and will look to head home on a winning note. Columbus had seen three straight games land on 8, 7 and 7 goals before Wednesday's 2-0 victory over the Islanders. Tonight they'll get back to their high-scoring ways as they help ride the final tally into orbit.
(Season Record: 0-0-0, Net: $000, based on $100 units)