On Thursday, January 2 at 7:00 PM ET, the Columbus Blue Jackets are scheduled to match up with the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena. For best bets, picks, and predictions for this matchup, read on.

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Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings Picks

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Total Pick

Pick OU: Under 6.5 (model projecting 6.4 goals)

• This season, 25 of Columbus’ 38 games have gone over Thursday’s total of 6.5 goals.
• A total of 14 of Detroit’s games have ended with more than 6.5 goals this season.
• The Blue Jackets score 3.29 goals per game, compared to the Red Wings’ average of 2.62, adding up to 0.6 fewer goals than this contest’s over/under of 6.5.
• The 6.8 goals per game these two teams are conceding on average are 0.3 more than the over/under for this contest.

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Moneyline Pick

Blue Jackets Moneyline: -112

• The Blue Jackets have won 40.0% of their games when favored on the moneyline this season (2-3).
• When playing with moneyline odds of -112 or shorter, Columbus has put together a 2-3 record (winning 40.0% of its games).
• The Blue Jackets’ implied moneyline win probability is 52.8% in this matchup.

Red Wings Moneyline: -108

• In Detroit’s 27 games as the underdog on the moneyline this season, it has 11 wins.
• The Red Wings have 11 victories in games with moneyline odds of -108 or longer (in 27 chances).
• Detroit has a 51.9% implied probability to win this matchup.

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Score Prediction

Prediction:
Columbus 4, Detroit 2

Blue Jackets Points Leaders

• Kirill Marchenko has been critical to Columbus’ offense this season, putting up 42 points in 38 games.
• Zachary Werenski has 11 goals and 29 assists for Columbus to compile 40 total points (1.1 per game).
• Through 38 games, Sean Monahan has proven himself as a scoring option for Columbus. He has 36 points (13 goals and 23 assists).
• As Columbus’ top goalie, Elvis Merzlikins has recorded 12 wins and 9 losses this season while giving up 74 goals with 605 saves.

Red Wings Points Leaders

• Detroit’s Lucas Raymond has recorded 23 assists and 15 goals in 37 games, good for 38 points.
• Detroit’s Dylan Larkin has racked up 29 total points (0.8 per game), with 13 goals and 16 assists.
• Detroit’s Alex DeBrincat has 28 points, courtesy of 15 goals (first on team) and 13 assists (fifth).
• Cam Talbot has a .904 save percentage (29th in the league), with 489 total saves, while conceding 51 goals (3.0 goals against average). He has compiled a 6-9-2 record between the posts for Detroit this season.

Blue Jackets’ Schedule

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Red Wings’ Schedule

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Columbus vs. Detroit Game Info

• Date: Thursday, January 2, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• How to watch on TV: ESPN+
• Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
• Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
• Location: Columbus, Ohio
• Venue: Nationwide Arena

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