NEXT 5 GAME OUTLOOK: PARTLY SUNNY

The Blue Jackets next 5 game forecast looks like 'partly sunny skies'. They have 5 likely wins where they are winning >60% of the simulations which translates to being at least a -150 favorite, 4 more games where they are favored by at least 53%, and just 1 game where they are a clear underdog.

Win%, Opp, and Distance to Road Game (**Indicates Back-to-Back)
MAR 19
CLOSE GAME
42% @CGY
2690 miles
MAR 21
CLOSE GAME
56% @EDM
2741 miles
MAR 24
LIKELY WIN
61% @VAN
3298 miles
MAR 26
LIKELY WIN
61% NYI
--
MAR 28
LIKELY WIN
60% MON
--
MAR 30
CLOSE GAME
53% @NSH
538 miles
MAR 31**
LIKELY WIN
64% @BUF
1009 miles
APR 2
CLOSE GAME
53% BOS
--
APR 5
LIKELY WIN
61% @NYR
769 miles
APR 6**
CLOSE GAME
53% @OTT
530 miles

The most likely scenario over the next 5 games is a record of 3-2 (34% chance). Their chances of winning their next 5 are 4.9%. At #8 in the conference, they are behind the Hurricanes by one point. Their projected wins (2.77) over the next 5 games is virtually the same so we do not expect a change in standings in the near term. They are ahead of the Canadiens by 3 points. In the short-term, we do predict much of a change in the gap between them and the Canadiens. Their projected wins (2.77) over the next 5 games is virtually the same so we do not expect a change in standings in the near term.

The Fatigue Index factors for travel (miles, time zones crossed) and games played. Based on this index the Blue Jackets are the 13th most fatigued team heading into the next game. Over the next few weeks, the Blue Jackets are playing 7 games, traveling 16317 miles crossing 14 time zones. They rank #5 on the Fatigue Index during this time period.

Sportsline has a free pick on the Columbus Blue Jackets' next game. They are +148 underdogs and there is slight value on them to win. Visit Sportsline.com to find out if there is a lot of value on this pick and get picks vs totals, money lines and a complete projected box score of the game.

SEASON-TO-DATE GRADE: B

At 40-28-4 the Blue Jackets are exceeding expectations. The combined projected win total based on per game money lines is 38.6 wins. They have 21 bad losses (they were favored or got blown out as slight underdogs) vs 10 good wins (wins as clear underdog, or 2+ final margin in what was expected to be a close game). They have been better than expected on the road. Their 20-12-2 road record is +10% better than their expected win percentage. Their record over the last 3 weeks and win% (6-5-1, 50%) is under their expected 54% win percentage. The Blue Jackets are a good team (in simulations) and won 55% of the simulations vs every other team playing on neutral ice with players available in the playoffs (#8 in the league). They have moved up from #12 in the league back on 6/11.

Their average goal differential is +0.14 which ranks #13 in the league, which is the same as how they rank in points. This is a relatively better road team than a home team. They are the #8 ranked team in goal differential in road games, vs #20 in home games. Their average goal differential in their past 7 games is +0.43.

OFFENSIVE STATS PER GAME (League Rank):

DEFENSIVE STATS PER GAME (Lower # is Better):

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LONG TERM OUTLOOK: MIXED BAG

Before the season, the Blue Jackets were projected for 92.5 points (average per simulation), and their projected points has been up and down this season. On 10/24 their projected points was 91.5 before increasing to 102 on 1/16. Their current projected point total is 96.1. They will be fighting for a playoff spot (currently projected to finish #8 in the conference) and have a 90% chance of making the playoffs. They have virtually no chance at getting home ice advantage in the first round. Their chances of getting out of the first round is 26% and their chances of reaching the conference finals is 8.68%. Based on the odds, they have a 6.2% chance of winning the East (15/1) and a 3.2% chance of winning it all (30/1).

Season Strength of Schedule is Relatively Hard

• Remaining Opponents' Win Percentage Rest of Season: 52% #8 Toughest
• Season-to-Date Opponents' Win Percentage: 50% #9 Toughest

Blue Jackets' Season Forecast Changes

FANTASY PROFILE

Based on rest of season projections, these are the 6 most valuable fantasy players based on their projected position rank (G, C, LW, RW, D). Overvalued players are rated higher by the market based on ownership% and vice versa.