Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Ottawa Senators January 3 Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets (11-22-2) head up north to play the Ottawa Senators (17-17-3) in one of 11 games on a busy NHL schedule for Tuesday night. Columbus has been a disaster all season and is 3-7 in its last 10 games, while the resurgent Senators are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and seven points out of a wildcard playoff spot.

Joonas Korpisalo is the expected starter for the Blue Jackets, and Cam Talbot is projected to start for the Senators. Korpisalo is 5-6-1 with a 3.13 goals-against average (GAA), while Talbot is 10-9-1 with a 2.75 GAA and .911 save percentage. 

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Blue Jackets Betting Preview

Columbus obviously hasn't met the expectations they had after signing prized free agent Johnny Gaudreau in the offseason, but they've also been plagued by injuries. Zach Werenski, one of the top defensemen in the league, underwent shoulder surgery in early December and will miss the rest of the season. 

He played just 13 games. Forwards Jakub Voracek, Boone Jenner, and Yegor Chinakov are all out with injuries, and Patrik Laine has been limited to just 20 games this season.

Still, those injuries aren't an excuse for Columbus' poor overall play. The Blue Jackets rank 27th in goals per game at 2.69 and 31st in goals allowed at 3.91.

 Goaltending and team defense has been a major issue. Columbus is 6-16-1 in games in which Korpisalo doesn't start.

Senators Betting Preview

Ottawa has had its fair share of injuries as well, but the team has persevered as of late. They're coming off of a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres and also have wins over the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals as of late.

Talbot has done a great job at stabilizing the Senators, as he's brought veteran experience as well as calmness and confidence to the goaltender position. 

Otherwise, Ottawa has benefited from depth up front as they have five players with at least 30 points, including team leader Brady Tkachuk (13 goals, 25 assists).

Josh Norris is the most notable absence for Ottawa. The 23-year-old American played just five games before injuring his shoulder. He has been skating with the team, however, and could be back within the next week.

Blue Jackets vs. Senators Betting Odds and Prediction

Ottawa is a huge favorite on the moneyline at (-213), while the Blue Jackets are paying out (+170) on the moneyline. The over/under for the game is 6.5. The Senators are listed at (+120) on the -1.5 puckline. Columbus is paying out (-148) on the +1.5 puckline.

Columbus and Ottawa have split their last four meetings, but the two teams have yet to play this season. Ottawa is 10-8-1 at home, and the Blue Jackets have the worst road record on the season at 2-11-1. The Senators moneyline and/or puckline bets are great options for tonight's game.