The two top teams in the Central Division meet for what should be a great game in NHL betting on Friday night as Columbus hosts Detroit. You probably are not surprised to see Detroit at the top of the standings but where did Columbus come from? The Blue Jackets could be worth an NHL bet in this game since they are at home and getting a good price.
Blue Jackets Beating Everyone
Columbus had not gotten into a first place tie with Detroit by beating up on weaker teams. The Blue Jackets have defeated all four conference finalists from last season and they were the first team to defeat Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. They shut out the San Jose Sharks on the road and that almost never happens. They will get a great test this weekend with a home and home against the Red Wings.
Columbus Fans are Skeptical
The Columbus fans have seen this before as last year the Blue Jackets started 12-6 and then collapsed. This year’s Columbus team has a very similar record at 14-6. The difference this season could be that Columbus can win on the road. In fact, the Blue Jackets have been the best road team in the league at 8-1. That is an amazing record. Columbus has been just average at home this season at 6-5. The Blue Jackets win with defense as they are third best in the league. It has not really mattered who is in goal but Steve Mason does lead the team in wins. The offense is still somewhat of a question mark but we know that Rick Nash is a superstar scorer.
Red Wings Second in Scoring
Detroit is winning with an offense that is second in the league in goals per game. They have almost opposite numbers to Columbus as they are great on offense and just average on defense. They are also opposite of the Blue Jackets because they win at home and are just about .500 on the road. It makes for a very intriguing home and home series this weekend.
NHL Betting
The Red Wings are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. the Western Conference. The Blue Jackets are 5-0 in their last 5 overall. The Blue Jackets are 5-2 in their last 7 home games. The Red Wings are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Columbus. If you are going to make an NHL bet on the total then remember that the Over is 4-0 in the Red Wings last 4 overall but the Under is 10-4 in the Blue Jackets last 14 home games.