Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Odds and Prediction for Game 3
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face off in Game 3 of their conference semifinal series. The series is currently tied 1-1, with both teams demonstrating impressive form in the 2019 postseason.
For the Bruins, their defense has been strong, allowing an average of 2.78 goals per game and 29.58 shots per game. However, they suffered a setback in Game 2, with Tuukka Rask allowing three goals on 41 shots. Despite this, David Pastrnak managed to score a goal, and Matthew Grzelcyk netted his first career NHL playoff goal.
On the other hand, the Blue Jackets have been scoring at will, averaging 3.20 goals per game and 31.38 shots per game. Their standout player, Artemi Panarin, has been instrumental in their success, notching four goals and nine points in the postseason so far. He has a point in every game he's played, including a stellar performance in Game 2, where he scored two goals and one assist.
Panarin's teammate, Seth Jones, also had a significant impact in Saturday's win, collecting two assists. The Blue Jackets' power-play percentage, currently the highest among all teams in the postseason, has been a crucial factor in their offensive success.
The home team has had the upper hand in recent meetings between these two teams, with a 7-3 record in the last 10 games. Interestingly, the total has gone over in the last five meetings in Columbus and in five of Boston's last five games when playing on the road against the Blue Jackets.
The goaltending battle has been intense, with Sergei Bobrovsky making 29 saves out of 31 shots in Game 2, while Rask faced 41 shots. Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins had multiple scoring chances but was stopped by Bobrovsky multiple times.
The Bruins have been strong on the road, with a 4-1 SU record in their last 5 games. However, the Blue Jackets have been in outstanding form, winning seven of their last eight games. The Columbus Blue Jackets will host a conference semifinal game for the first time in franchise history, and they are slight favourites on the NHL betting lines.
The series has seen its fair share of drama, with Bergeron's costly penalty during the second overtime leading directly to Matt Duchene's winning goal in Game 2. Duchene, who was traded to the Blue Jackets at the 2019 NHL trade deadline by the Ottawa Senators, has been a valuable addition to the team.
As the series shifts to Columbus for Game 3, both teams will be eager to take a 2-1 lead. The Bruins will be looking to bounce back from their loss, while the Blue Jackets will aim to build on their recent momentum. The stage is set for an exciting game, with both teams demonstrating top-notch form in the postseason.
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