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Columbus (38-27-12) at Detroit (40-29-8)
- When: Apr 7 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA
- TV: FDSDET
Columbus vs Detroit NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Detroit -117
Spread: Detroit -1.5 (+215)
Total: 6.0
Detroit Red Wings Betting Breakdown
Detroit is running out of time, and they know it. Sitting at 40-29-8 with 88 points, every game now feels like elimination hockey. The urgency is real, especially with a nine-year playoff drought hanging over this group.
The Red Wings showed fight in their last outing, storming back from a 4-1 deficit before falling late. Patrick Kane delivered a clutch tying goal, but discipline issues cost them again. That has been the theme. Slow starts, costly mistakes, and late pushes that come up just short.
Still, there are positives to lean on. Alex DeBrincat has already delivered against Columbus this season, and Detroit’s ability to generate offense when trailing shows they can flip a game quickly.
From a betting perspective, Detroit at home with desperation on their side is a key angle. If they clean up the early lapses, they have the edge.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Breakdown
Columbus enters in worse shape. Six straight losses have pushed them to the brink, and the offense has dried up at the worst possible time. Just 10 goals across that stretch tells the story.
Zach Werenski is trying to rally the room, but belief only goes so far without execution. The Blue Jackets are creating chances, but poor decision-making in the offensive zone is killing their momentum.
Coach Rick Bowness has pointed out the issue clearly. Instead of playing direct, Columbus is overcomplicating things, and it is costing them goals.
They have shown they can beat Detroit, including a 6-5 shootout win earlier this season. But current form matters, and right now, they are struggling to finish games.
NHL Betting Prediction
Detroit is a slight -117 moneyline favorite with the total set at 6.0.
Both teams are desperate, but Detroit has the better spot. Home ice, slightly more consistent scoring, and a sense of urgency give them the edge. Columbus simply is not finishing chances right now, and that is tough to trust in a must-win game.
Expect a tight, physical contest with limited scoring chances as both teams play cautiously.
Score Prediction: Red Wings 3 Blue Jackets 2
Pick: Detroit (-117)
Total: Under 6.0 (-110)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
