Columbus Blue Jackets @ Dallas Stars - February 2, 2025

Alright, folks, let’s dive into this matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Dallas Stars. We’ve got two teams heading in different directions, but as any seasoned bettor knows, that doesn’t always mean what it seems on paper.

First off, let’s talk about the Dallas Stars. They come into this game with a solid record of 28-14-1 and have been playing some decent hockey lately. Their offense is churning out an average of 3.1 goals per game with a shooting percentage of around 10.9%. They’re not just firing shots; they’re getting quality chances, which is reflected in their corsi percentage sitting at 53.6%. Plus, they’re effective on the power play with a conversion rate hovering around 19.2%.

Defensively, they’re even more impressive—90.7% save percentage and an 84% penalty kill rate make them a tough nut to crack for opposing offenses. That said, they’ve shown some vulnerabilities at times when facing teams that can capitalize on their mistakes.

Now let’s shift our focus to the Columbus Blue Jackets. They might not have the best record at 21-17-6, but don’t be fooled by their standings—they’re riding high on a five-game winning streak! With an average of 3.3 goals per game and a solid power play percentage of 22%, they can definitely light up the scoreboard if given half a chance. Their corsi numbers tell another story though; they’re slightly below average at 48.6%, which indicates they might struggle in puck possession against stronger teams like Dallas.

What really stands out here is how both teams have fared recently against the spread (ATS). Columbus has been covering well lately—11-2 ATS in their last 13 games—and if there’s one thing I love as a bettor, it’s when an underdog starts to find its rhythm while consistently covering spreads.

The total for this matchup opened at 5.5 goals, and considering both teams’ recent trends toward unders (with Columbus hitting the under in nine of their last ten), I’m leaning towards betting on the under here as well.

So what do I predict? I see Dallas taking home the win tonight; they’re favored for good reason with their offensive prowess and defensive reliability. However, given Columbus’s current form and knack for covering spreads—even as underdogs—I think they’ll keep it close enough to cover that spread.

In summary: Dallas wins outright; Columbus covers the spread; and expect this game to go under that total of 5.5 goals based on recent performances from both squads.

Remember my betting ritual—never forget your lucky charm before placing those bets! Good luck out there!