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#1
The Blues have scored just 11 goals in their last 7 games. Thanks to solid goaltending play they have earned points in 5 of the 7 games. Still, their offense has certainly cost them as they have won just two of the seven games. Their 2-2-3 record doesn't merit them being this pricey of a favorite against a scrappy Blue Jackets club.
Columbus does have a goaltending issue tonight and that is likely to get overblown. Pascal Leclaire is not available for this contest and that leaves the Blue Jackets netminding duties to Fredrik Norrena. That doesn't concern me in the least as Norrena is very capable as a back-up and he's been solid this season. He also has impressed against St Louis in his career with a 1.96 GAA. Overall, the Blue Jackets have played well in St Louis as they had earned at least a point in six straight games here before suffering a loss in their most recent visit (in November). Columbus had won four straight match-ups in the series before that loss in St Louis in mid-November. It's revenge time now and let's not forget these are divisional opponents so a little extra energy will be brought to the ice by the hungrier team.
The Blues are off of a home win over Carolina but St Louis managed just one goal. Also, St Louis came into that game against the Hurricanes having won just once in their last eight home games! As you can see, based on recent results, the Blues are overpriced here. The Blue Jackets have a great shot at the upset and they come into this game hungry after a loss at San Jose on Saturday. Note that the Jackets had won three of their last four games prior to that loss. Also note that tonight they're taking on a Blues team with the worst power play in the league! It is no wonder the Blues struggle to score goals as their power play has converted less than 12% of it's opportunities this season. Look for the Blue Jackets Rick Nash to be the X-factor tonight. Nash has scored in four straight games against the Blues and he is a guy St Louis has trouble stopping.
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