This is a 9* on COLUMBUS

Neither team is playing "well" at the moment. The Rangers are coming off a 4-1 loss to Vegas where it could be argued that the power play was the difference. Vegas scored twice when it had the man advantage. New York was 0 for 6. Columbus has had issues scoring - whether on the power play or at even strength. They've gone 6-9-2 the last 17 games while being held to three goals or fewer 14 times. They lost 4-2 to Arizona Tuesday right here in Ohio. This boils down to the fact the Blue Jackets have had the Rangers number. Columbus is 5-0-1 the past six meetings. We also don't see the Blue Jackets losing two straight at home. It was a similar spot on 11/29 when they were facing Pittsburgh. Two days earlier they'd dropped a home game to the Flyers. They'd go on to beat the Penguins 5-2. The Rangers are allowing far too many shots on goal. The number is 36.5/game on the road. While they often struggle to score, the Blue Jackets are a good defensive team. Play on COLUMBUS

AAA