The Columbus Blue Jackets (1-3-0) welcome the Nashville Predators (2-2-1), who will be looking to snap their losing run, at Nationwide Arena on Thursday. Nashville is coming off a 4-3 shootout loss against the Kings on Tuesday, their third defeat in a row. The Predators committed nine penalties in the game, conceding one power play goal. Cody Glass, Filip Forsberg, and Tanner Jeannot scored one apiece for the Predators. Mikael Granlund had two assists to lead the team in scoring. Juuse Saros saved 32 of 35 shots in the loss. Columbus beat the Canucks 4-3 (OT) on Tuesday. Four players found the net for the Blue Jackets. Elvis Merzlikins had 32 saves.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams split their two meetings last season, the last of which was a 4-3 (SO) victory for the Blue Jackets in December. Boone Jenner led Columbus with two points (1G 1A). Merzlikins got the win, saving 31 of 34 shots (.911%).
FACING OFF
Nashville is averaging just 2.40 goals per game so far this season, 28th in the NHL. The visitors will look to improve on that figure against a Blue Jackets team that is allowing 4.25 goals a game (28th). Meanwhile, Columbus has found the net 2.25 times a game on average, 30th in the league, and the Predators are allowing opponents to score 3.00 goals per game (14th).The Blue Jackets’ 0.00% power play percentage is the worst in the league, while Nashville’s 4.55% conversion rate ranks second-lowest. In terms of penalty killing, Nashville has the league’s 14th-ranked PK% at 81.82%, while Columbus is 17th at 80.00%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With five points this season, Granlund is the top skater for the Predators. He is among the league leaders with five assists (2nd) and has added zero goal of his own. In the net, Kevin Lankinen (1-0-0) is Nashville’s top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 2.00 GAA and a .939% save percentage. Saros (1-2-1) leads the Predators in games played in goal. He has a GAA of 3.00 and a save percentage of .897%.Johnny Gaudreau leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with four points. He has two goals and two assists in four games. Merzlikins (1-1-0) has the best goals against average for Columbus at 3.90. He has a save percentage of .867%.
HOME AND AWAY
Nashville is 1-1-0 away from Bridgestone Arena this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Columbus Blue Jackets (+110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
