Blue Jackets vs Sharks odds

Macklin Celebrini will return to the lineup Tuesday when the last-place Sharks host the Columbus Blue Jackets in San Jose. This will be his first game since he recorded a goal and an assist in the season opener.

Blue Jackets vs Sharks odds

• Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line: -135
• San Jose Sharks money line: +115
• Puck line: Blue Jackets +1.5 (+170), Sharks +1.5 (-210)
• Game total: 6.5 (over +100, under -120)

All odds via Sports Interaction.

Matchup

Columbus (5-5-1) has lost its last two games by a combined score of 13-4 after starting the season 5-4. The Blue Jackets are currently tied with the Penguins for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division and have two games remaining in Pittsburgh. San Jose, meanwhile, has won three of its last four games after an 0-9 start. The Sharks (3-8-2) are in the midst of five straight home games. Columbus won both games against San Jose last season and has a 5-1 record against them since the start of the 2021-22 season.

Handicap Blue Jackets vs Sharks

The Blue Jackets began their five-game road trip with a 7-2 loss at Washington following a 6-2 home loss to the Jets, marking their third straight game in which they failed to score more than two goals. Previously, Columbus had scored three or more goals in six of eight games, ranking fifth in goals per 60 minutes. Still, Columbus remains one of the worst defensive teams in the league, which has helped the team post an 8-3 record this season.

San Jose ranks in the bottom five offensively, but has scored more than three goals in four of its last five games after doing so just twice in its first nine games. What's notable is that their offensive woes coincided with Celebrini's injury. With Celebrini expected back on Tuesday, the Sharks could see an increase in their offensive production. However, only three teams have allowed more goals and expected goals per 60 minutes than San Jose, and the 18-year-old won't impact that area of ​​their game.

Best bets for Blue Jackets vs. Sharks

The way a sports bettor puts this matchup at a disadvantage largely depends on the starting goaltenders, particularly whether Columbus is betting on Elvis Merzlikins or Daniil Tarasov. There is a clear difference between the two: Merzlikins delivers average goaltending, while Tarasov is one of the worst in the league. However, I see a prop bet on a player that looks promising regardless of who starts in goal.

• Zach Werenski over 3.5 shots on goal (+110)

Zach Werenski's stock has declined in recent seasons due to injuries and the Blue Jackets' struggles, but he reminds everyone of his talent. Werenski leads the team with 85 shot attempts – 29 more than the next highest player – and only four defensemen in the league have attempted more shots per 60 minutes.

The 27-year-old has taken four or more shots in five of 11 games this season, including three of four away games. The Sharks, who have allowed more shot attempts than all but three teams and are seventh-worst in counter-throws per 60 minutes, are a favorable match for him. However, bettors should shop around for the best odds.

Follow Andy's bets on the Action app here.