Kent Johnson’s goal against Carolina shows why a point and an assist are two different bets. If you’re backing Columbus against Tampa Bay, start with Johnson’s points in Blue Jackets wins. Then look at Nikita Kucherov’s shots in Lightning losses, where he’s usually stayed below three even when he’s found a way onto the scoresheet.
Player props to compare for a Blue Jackets win
| Player & prop | Odds | With this result | All games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent Johnson Over 0.5 points |
−140 | 85.7% 6 of 7 Columbus wins |
75.0% 12 of 16 appearances |
| Nikita Kucherov Under 2.5 shots on goal |
+120 | 83.3% 5 of 6 Tampa Bay losses |
50.0% 9 of 18 appearances |
Kent Johnson: Over 0.5 points
DraftKings offered a point at −140 and an assist at +130. The point over hit in six of seven Columbus wins, one more than the assist over. Across 16 appearances the gap was bigger, 12 hits for a point and seven for an assist. The goal against Carolina came without an assist, an example of what the shorter point price covers.
Johnson is projected to skate with Matthew Knies and Adam Fantilli. He recorded a point in recent wins over Colorado and Dallas, then went without one against Florida. Across this season and last, including any playoff games, he had a point in just 18 of 45 Columbus wins. The recent games show what he’s done in his current role, but the longer record is a reason to be selective at −140.
Nikita Kucherov: Under 2.5 shots on goal
The shots under at +120 can land even if Kucherov drives Tampa Bay’s scoring. He had one shot but three points in the loss to Nashville. In the Utah loss it went the other way: three shots and one point. The under 1.5 points paid less at −190. Both hit in five of six Tampa Bay losses and nine of 18 appearances, but the lines didn’t always land together.
Kucherov had five shots against Buffalo and nine against Minnesota in recent wins. Across this season and last, including the playoffs, he stayed below three shots in 19 of 38 Tampa Bay losses. The current split gives the under a case, but it’s a small sample for a player who can pile up shots quickly.
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Which route fits a Columbus win?
Johnson’s point is the more direct option if you expect his line to help Columbus score. Kucherov’s shots under leaves room for him to make plays as a passer. The records and prices apply to each option individually.
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