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 nets 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 N ew York bettors any discounts.