The NHL provides us with a seven-game slate on Sunday, March 19, including this inter-conference duel in Las Vegas, and here you can read the best Blue Jackets vs. Golden Knights betting pick and odds.

Columbus is looking to avoid the third loss in a row when they visit Vegas at T-Mobile Arena. The Golden Knights are -295 moneyline favorites on Jazz Sportsbook, while the total is set at 6.5 goals. These inter-conference rivals will meet for the second time this year; the Golden Knights won 3-2 after the shootout in Columbus.

Blue Jackets conceded seven in a loss to Anaheim

The Columbus Blue Jackets (21-40-6-1, 33-35 ATS) suffered six defeats in their previous seven games, including the last two to the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. The Blue Jackets are currently on a five-game road trip which they opened with an overtime 6-5 win against the San Jose Sharks, but then they allowed 11 goals in two losses to Los Angeles and Anaheim. Columbus is still at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference with 49 points, and that’s the worst record in the entire NHL.

The Blue Jackets had an active 4-4 result in Anaheim until the final three minutes when the Ducks scored three goals to secure a 7-4 victory. Columbus had 42 attempts opposite Anaheim’s 38 but was left empty-handed in the end. Patrik Laine led the Jackets with two points in this defeat. This season, Johnny Gaudreau is the lone Blue Jacket among the top 100 players in the NHL when it comes to points with 63 (G 17, A 46).

Michael Hutchinson (0-2-1) is still looking for his first win of the campaign as he takes his place between the sticks against Vegas on Sunday. The 33-year-old is allowing 4.06 goals per game this season with a .879 SV% and no shutouts.

D Zach Werenski (shoulder), D Jake Bean (upper body), and G Elvis Merzlikins (personal) are out indefinitely.

Golden Knights were dismantled by the Flames in Vegas

The Vegas Golden Knights (42-21-3-3, 34-35 ATS) returned home from a five-game road trip on which they recorded four consecutive wins but then suffered a heavy loss to the Calgary Flames. The Golden Knights allowed a season-high seven goals in a 7-2 loss but will have a decent chance to bounce back against weak Columbus on Sunday. Vegas is still atop of the Western Conference with 90 points, a point above the Los Angeles Kings.

The Golden Knights managed to come back from a 2-0 deficit and tie the score through Zach Whitecloud and Reilly Smith, but Calgary scored five unanswered goals since and deservedly secured a big victory. Vegas had just 19 shots opposite the Flames’ 30. Chandler Stephenson is Vegas’ top point producer this year with 53 (G 13, A 40), followed by Jack Eichel with 51 points (G 23, A 28).

Jonathan Quick (15-14-4) will start at the goal against the Blue Jackets on Sunday. The 37-year-old is conceding 3.42 goals per contest this year with a .881 SV% and two shutouts.

G Robin Lehner (hip), RW Mark Stone (back), and LW William Carrier (lower body) are out indefinitely.

Trends:

Columbus:

  • 1-5 in the last six after allowing five goals or more in their previous game
  • 2-9 in the last 11 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation
  • 1-5 in the last six vs. Western Conference rivals

Vegas:

  • 4-1 in the last five overall
  • 8-2 in the last ten home games
  • 7-1 in the last eight vs. Eastern Conference opponents
  • 8-1 in the last nine after allowing five goals or more in their previous game

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights Pick

Vegas is not very impressive when it comes to scoring goals this season, but the Golden Knights are still more efficient than the Blue Jackets. Vegas is averaging 3.19 goals per game opposite Columbus’ 2.56 goals per contest, which is the second-worst offense in the NHL. A bigger difference is on defense; the Golden Knights are allowing 2.78 gpg opposite the Blue Jackets’ 3.79 gpg – the second-weakest D in the league. The hosts will be eager to bounce back from a devastating defeat to the Flames, and I am backing them to do it in style.

Pick: Take the Golden Knights at -1.5 Puck Line (-135)

The Total

Columbus surrendered at least four goals in each of the last seven games and considering the Golden Knights scored 4+ in six of their previous eight, I am convinced the hosts will score four or five in this one. On the road, the Blue Jackets allowed 4+ in each of their last five, so this is clear to me. Over is 5-1 in the Blue Jackets’ last six overall; Over is 5-1 in Columbus’ previous six road games, while Over is 4-1 in the Golden Knights’ last five overall.

Pick: Go Over 6.5 goals (-110)