Columbus has had a nice run, 2-1 heading into the break while scoring 12 goals. That includes a 7-5 win at Arizona as a dog. The Blue Jackets make up for their shortage of talent by being physical, fifth in the NHL with an average of 27.3 hits while the Lightning are sixth-worst at 19.5. Columbus held a 36-23 advantage in that category in the first meeting between these teams. Tampa Bay is a big favorite with a weak offense, 23rd in goals per game at 2.5, getting only two goals against Columbus in the only meeting this season. The Lightning come off Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Vancouver. Tampa Bay went one for 10 on the power play, ranking 24th in that department at 16.8 percent. Play Columbus.
This pick was released to clients on December 26, 2015 at 11:43AM ET.
NHL
Columbus at Tampa Bay
December 26, 2015
7:05 PM Eastern
1 unit on Columbus +170 (moneyline) (risk 1 to return 2.7)
Result:
LOSS
LOSS
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