St. Louis at Columbus

The Columbus Bluejackets have been an NHL doormat for quite some time, but the team is showing some rapid and noticeable growth this season. The Jackets have not stepped up on the road, where they continue to struggle, but have been a surprising force at home where they stand at 12-5-5 on the season. They have been a lot better here lately, as they own a 5-1 mark on home ice in their last six. This is a team that is also 12-7 overall in their last 19, and the once punchless offense has scored four or more times in six of those. The Blues have recored six straight wins, with the last three coming on shutouts. That may make this one look bad for the Blue Jackets, but there have been seven instances of teams recording three straight shutouts since 2007, and they are 2-5 in their next game, with the opponent scoring four or more in two of the last three. I like the value on both sides of this one, as I expect this one to be higher scoring than the low total. Play on Columbus and take the OVER.