Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, February 28

Tonight's NHL lineup includes two games, but they won't be the highlight of the week, even though there's a showdown between two Western Conference playoff hopefuls during prime time. The betting lines and over/under for that game might not offer much in terms of potential winnings. However, one game stands out with better betting opportunities and potential winnings. Keep an eye on the matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers, as it could be a game-changer for this Eastern Conference powerhouse.

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Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers

• Time: 7:00 PM E.T. - Wednesday

• Moneyline: Blue Jackets (+205) | Rangers (-250)

• Puck Line: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-118) | Rangers -1.5 (-102) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-102) | Under 6.5 (-118)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Bet $5, Get the No-Sweat First Bet up to $1,000, act fast!

My Pick: -1.5 New York Rangers (NY)

Kicking off the limited night of play in the NHL is the Eastern Conference battle between the Columbus Blue Jackets (19-28-10), going on the road to take on the New York Rangers (39-17-3). The Rangers are significant favorites versus the struggling Blue Jackets, who are among the worst teams in the league. The game line is mismatched, but that doesn’t mean this game doesn’t have value.

The Rangers are capable of winning this game by at least two points over a bad Blue Jackets team. The problem with New York this season is that Columbus has had their number this season. The Blue Jackets have defeated the Rangers two of the three previous times this season. New York’s lone win over Columbus was on November 12, with a 4-3 home win in overtime.

The Rangers’ offense has been active, as they are averaging 3.0 goals per game. Defensively, the Rangers have been more efficient this season and have allowed the Blue Jackets to average 4.0 games per game.

It doesn’t feel great mentally that the Rangers’ 10-game winning streak came to an end against the Blue Jackets on the road this past Sunday. The Rangers have to get out of the mental block with the Blue Jackets, who are inefficient on both sides of the ice for the Rangers.

New York averages 3.32 goals per game (10th in the league), while Columbus averages 2.95 goals per game (21st in the league). Defensively, the Rangers are among the most elite units, as they allow an average of 2.73 goals per game (sixth in the NHL). The Blue Jackets are allowing an average of 3.67 goals per game (31st in the NHL), which is only ahead of the San Jose Sharks for the worst defensive unit in the NHL.

This game is more than likely to see the Rangers regain their composure and rebound with a big win rather than suffer another embarrassing loss to the Blue Jackets.