New York Rangers (1-0-0) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (0-1-0)
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 10/14/23 – The NHL season is in its infancy, and already we are treated to intriguing matchups. The New York Rangers, with a positive start at 1-0-0, prepare to square off against the Columbus Blue Jackets who are looking to recover from their initial setback. This contest is pegged as one of the NHL picks of the day, as fans and pundits alike keenly anticipate the outcome.
Diving into the Rangers’ offensive machinery, their momentum has been set by the efforts of team leaders such as Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Artemi Panarin. Kreider, in particular, has showcased incredible efficiency with a shooting percentage of 66.7%, and a combined total of 3 points from just one game. Zibanejad, though yet to score, has compensated with 3 assists, establishing himself as a vital playmaker. Given Columbus’s recent defensive vulnerabilities, these key figures for the Rangers may be set to exploit gaps and capitalize.
Conversely, for Columbus, their offense has seen glimpses of promise from Kirill Marchenko, Jake Bean, and Adam Fantilli. Bean, a defenseman, has already etched his mark with a goal, showcasing the Blue Jackets’ ability to pose threats from various positions. When matched against the Rangers’ defensive setup, the question remains whether these offensive leaders can pierce through and make significant impacts.
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 10/14/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Nationwide Arena |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin vs. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins
Igor Shesterkin has begun his season on a robust note for the New York Rangers. With only a single goal against in his opening match and an exemplary save percentage of 0.96, Shesterkin’s prowess between the posts is undeniable. His ability to read the game, coupled with his swift reflexes, makes him a formidable opponent for any offensive line. Historically, goalies with such a start have often provided their teams with the stability required during the early parts of the season. Against the offensive capabilities of the Blue Jackets, his resilience and quick decision-making will be pivotal, setting the stage for what promises to be an engrossing battle at the net.
On the other side, we have Elvis Merzlikins representing the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite the team’s loss, Merzlikins displayed remarkable tenacity, ending with a save percentage of 0.943 after facing a barrage of 35 shots. This shows that he’s not just reactive but also has an anticipatory edge, positioning himself aptly against oncoming threats. His commendable performance serves as a beacon of hope for the Blue Jackets, especially when squaring off against high-caliber offenses. When juxtaposed against the firepower of the Rangers, Merzlikins’ agility, combined with his acute sense of positioning, will undoubtedly be under the spotlight. This goalie matchup offers a tantalizing contest of skill, strategy, and sheer will.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: New York Rangers -185, Total Odds: 6.5
Based on the current betting odds, the New York Rangers emerge as favorites, reflecting their positive start and current form. The total odds, leaning slightly towards the over, suggest a potentially high-scoring affair.
New York Rangers Betting Trends
The Rangers have witnessed the total going UNDER in 5 of their last 6 games, indicating a tighter defensive approach. However, their recent form of 2-4 SU in the last 6 games could raise eyebrows. A silver lining remains in their matchup specifics: they hold a 6-2 SU record in their last 8 games against Columbus, suggesting a possible upper hand in this encounter.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Trends
Columbus seems to struggle with consistency, reflected in their 1-6 SU record in their last 7 games. Their home record is particularly concerning, standing at 6-13 SU. Historically against the Rangers, the total has gone UNDER in 8 of their last 11 matches, indicating potential tight defenses at play in their matchups.
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 10/14/23 Betting Picks
Drawing from the data, the Rangers appear to have an edge, particularly given their recent history against Columbus. Their offensive leaders, coupled with Shesterkin’s form, makes them a promising pick.
However, Merzlikins’ recent performance suggests Columbus won’t go down without a fight. For those seeking prop bets, considering the over might be worth a shot given the offensive potential of both teams. Pro handicapping experts would likely lean towards the Rangers for a win, but with a narrow margin.
Free Pick and Prediction: New York Rangers 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2.