Ryan Hodges
When the NHL scheduled this Stadium Series game, it was, respectfully, likely a little bit of wishful thinking that it would have some form of postseason implications. Fortunately for the league, hockey fans, and of course, Red Wings and Blue Jackets fans, this game has a ton of intrigue. Detroit and Columbus are tied with 66 points which are good for the two Eastern Conference wild card spots.
With just over 20 games remaining in the regular season, every point collected down the stretch is huge. Look for these teams to bring their best in a nationally televised outdoor game. If you want to have a vested interest in this one while you watch, here is a same-game parlay we like along with the reasons we like it.
Let’s dive in, and don’t forget you can also get our expert NHL picks for all the big games on Saturday.
Blue Jackets win (-115)
Over 6.5 (+102)
Adam Fantilli anytime goalscorer (+195)
NHL parlay odds: +575
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Blue Jackets win (-115)
There is a very thin margin of error between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets right now. But since returning from the 4 Nations break, the Blue Jackets have looked a bit better. Columbus enters this game having won their first 3 games out of break by a combined score of 16-7. That includes a 5-2 win over these Red Wings in Detroit on Thursday. The Blue Jackets are on fire in the past week. Playing a big, meaningful game in front of a massive crowd and national television audience will only give them more jump.
While the Red Wings have been good, they are 2-1-1 out of the 4 Nations break and Thursday’s loss to the Blue Jackets was somewhat telling. Detroit has now given up 4+ goals in 3 out of their last 4 games. That is not a great trend heading into a game against a team that has scored 16 goals in their last 3 games. Columbus has won 11 out of their last 14 games at home, and home ice is amplified in this one. The Blue Jackets look good and will have a little extra pep in their step to collect these 2 points.
Find out our NHL best bets for tonight’s slate
Over 6.5 (+102)
As mentioned the Blue Jackets cannot stop scoring over the past week. If they can hold to even a semblance of their recent form, they will not leave a ton of extra work remaining for Detroit’s contributions to take the game over the total. Detroit’s recent goal prevention issues matched up against Columbus’ recent goal scoring success bode well for the over. The season series has proven as much. In the two games these teams have played head to head, the game totals were 9 and 7. The pure matchup here makes for a higher total.
The Red Wings have the ability to score as well, as evident by their strong form over the last month plus. The total has gone over in 5 out of their last 6 games, which should reinforce the Blue Jackets’ home overs trends as Columbus’ home over under record is 20-8-1. Scoring 7 goals in 2 games against this Columbus team is not half bad, and that is what Detroit has done. Offense looks to be present on both sides which gives the over great value.
Adam Fantilli anytime goalscorer (+195)
Adam Fantilli is really coming into his own at the NHL level. At just 20 years old, his 82 game averages are already 22 goals and 48 points which include numbers from what was a bad Blue Jackets team last year. Fans are starting to see the budding star they drafted 3rd overall in 2023. Fantilli has shown strong form coming into this game as he has 2 goals and 5 points in his last 4 games. This includes a 1 point, 3 shot, +1 game with over 20 minutes of ice time against the Red Wings on Thursday.
In Thursday’s win against Detroit, Fantilli logged the second most minutes of the forward group, which holds true to his season long ranking of third in ice time among Columbus forwards. Fantilli is being leaned on and is rewarding his coaches and team for it. He centers the top line and top power play. Every time he steps on the ice he is with good players and has the opportunity to produce. With some added adrenaline from a big outdoor game, he has a good chance to continue his production.
