Los Angeles Kings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets December 11 Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off the upset to return to the winning path, defeating the Calgary Flames 3-1. 

The Flames continued their franchise trend of starting slow, with Patrik Laine capitalizing on it and scoring with 1:02 left in the first period. Erik Robinson scored in the second, and Sean Kuraly added an empty net goal, while Elvis Merzlikins made nineteen saves to get the win for the Blue Jackets.

Up next for CBJ is the Los Angeles Kings, who arrive in Columbus after defeating the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 on Saturday night. Let's review the odds, stats, and trends to try and find the best bets for the Kings vs. Blue Jackets. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

After the win over the Calgary Flames, the Blue Jackets have a 9-15-2 record. CBJ has still lost three of their last five games, with four of five ending in a 1.5-goal spread and only one hitting the over of 6.5. 

The Blue Jackets have hit the under in their last four games when one team is playing on one day's rest. The under is 7-1 in the Blue Jackets' last eight games. However, CBJ is 1-5 in their previous six home games.

With Elvis Merzlikins starting and getting the win in the Blue Jackets' last game, hockey convection suggests Columbus would start their other goalie on back-to-back nights. However, Joonas Korpisalo is listed as out. The Blue Jackets have called up Jet Greaves to back-up Merzlikins, who we expect to get the start against the Kings. 

Los Angeles Kings Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Kings enter Sunday night's game with a 15-11-4 record, ranking them second in the Pacific Division. The Kings have alternated wins and losses over their last five games, winning three of their last five. Two of their last five games have hit the over of 6.5, two have ended on six total goals, and all five ended with at least a 1.5-goal spread. 

The over is 4-0 in the Kings' games against the Metropolitan division in 2022-23. However, the Kings are 0-4 against the Metropolitan Division and are 0-5 in their last five games following a win.

Jonathan Quick and Phoenix Copley have swapped starts over the last four games. We're still determining who gets the start, but we're leaning toward Jonathan Quick. If Quick gets the start, he has an 8-8-2 record, a 3.42 goals-against average, and a .887 save percentage. If Copley gets the start, he has a 2-0-0 record, a 2.00 goals-against average, and a .927 save percentage. 

Odds And Predictions

If you are new to our Columbus Blue Jackets betting previews, we use this space to remind readers that our odds include overtime, and there are numerous alternative betting lines to explore. 

As mentioned, CBJ is listed as the underdog on the moneyline at (+114) odds. The Los Angeles Kings are the betting favorite at (-137) odds. 

Our first prediction is to follow the trends and take the under. CBJ and Los Angeles could hit the over, but the performance trends and betting records all favor taking the under of 6.5.

Our second prediction is to take CBJ on the moneyline. The safe bet is to take the Kings as the favorite on the moneyline, as they are the better team and will likely make the playoffs in the Spring. However, we're hoping our betting action can provide a little magic and help the Blue Jackets win their second game in a row.

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