I am siding with the Blue Jackets in this one. Columbus needs to go on a winning streak as they are starting to dip close to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Blue Jackets were effective against the Rangers last season as they won the last three meetings.

Furthermore, the Rangers are not a reliable road team, and they have only won two out of their last six road games overall. New York is a poor defensive team and that presents a good opportunity for the Blue Jackets to break out of their offensive slump. The Rangers are also starting backup Alexandar Georgiev in goal and I give a major edge to the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday night NHL action.