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Rangers vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Why Columbus is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [3/19/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get NY Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets predictions for NHL Thursday.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and NY Rangers are scheduled to meet in the NHL at Nationwide Arena on Thursday, starting at 7:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulation results, Dimers' advanced NHL model predicts the Blue Jackets as the most likely winner of the Rangers vs. Blue Jackets game.
This article offers a closer look at Thursday's matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Rangers vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using trusted machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Rangers and Blue Jackets 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model currently gives the Blue Jackets a 61% chance of defeating the Rangers.
According to our model, the Rangers (+1.5) have a 60% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6-goal over/under has a 51% chance of going over.
Rangers vs. Blue Jackets odds
We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Rangers | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-135) | -1.5 (+116) |
| Moneyline | +180 | -218 |
| Total | o6 (-115) | u6 (-105) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Rangers vs. Blue Jackets picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Rangers +1.5 | -135 |
| Moneyline | Rangers | +180 |
| Total | Under 6 | -105 |
According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Rangers to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Rangers vs. Blue Jackets player props
Who will score a goal in Rangers vs. Blue Jackets?
According to our model, Adam Fantilli is most likely to score an anytime goal in Rangers vs. Blue Jackets.
Our projections give Fantilli a 33.2% chance of scoring a goal at Nationwide Arena, while the star is a 5.9% chance of netting the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
NY Rangers
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Alexis Lafreniere | 28.8% |
| J.T. Miller | 27.5% |
| Mika Zibanejad | 25.3% |
| Vincent Trocheck | 22.8% |
| Will Cuylle | 21.6% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Adam Fantilli | 33.2% |
| Kirill Marchenko | 32.1% |
| Mason Marchment | 29.5% |
| Charlie Coyle | 24.0% |
| Zach Werenski | 22.3% |
First goal scorer predictions
NY Rangers
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| J.T. Miller | 5.0% |
| Alexis Lafreniere | 4.9% |
| Mika Zibanejad | 4.7% |
| Will Cuylle | 4.3% |
| Vincent Trocheck | 3.9% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Kirill Marchenko | 6.1% |
| Adam Fantilli | 5.9% |
| Mason Marchment | 5.8% |
| Charlie Coyle | 4.2% |
| Zach Werenski | 3.9% |
Rangers vs. Blue Jackets game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's game between the Blue Jackets and Rangers at Nationwide Arena is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: NY Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Nationwide Arena
Conclusion
We predict the Blue Jackets, with a 61% win probability, will likely beat the Rangers on Thursday.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Rangers vs. Blue Jackets insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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