NHL: Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings Picks and Odds | April 7, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Tue Apr 07, 2026, 12:20 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nhl
Only a few games left in the season and they're big ones. Tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets will take on the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. These two teams last met for the Winter Classic and the Blue Jackets won 6-5 in a shootout.
Detroit is 40-29-8 this season and sixth in the Atlantic Division. They come into this game on a two-game losing streak after another loss to the Wild on Sunday. The Red Wings are 4-6-0 in their last ten games and 20-15-3 at home.
The standings are incredibly tight. Detroit sits one point out of the second wild card spot and that is their only chance at the playoffs. They're currently two points out of the spot, have the Islanders one point ahead of them and are tied with the Blue Jackets for the fourth wild card spot.
For the longest time this season, the Wings had a spot in the playoffs. The emergence of the Bruins didn't help as they've pretty much locked the first wild card spot. Ottawa also hit a streak and are in the second wild card spot. It's absolute insanity right now in the East.
Goalie John Gibson is going to get the start. He is 28-20-3 this season with a 2.47 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Gibson also has four shutouts on the year and having a pretty good year for a 32-year-old veteran.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Columbus needs a win with two chances to get in the playoffs
Columbus Blue Jackets players celebrate after a game winning goal.
The Blue Jackets are 38-27-12 this year and fifth in the Metro Division. They come into this game on a terrible six game losing streak after another loss on Saturday. Columbus is 3-6-1 in their last ten games and 18-16-4 on the road.
It's crazy to see the downfall of this team. They had won six of their last seven games to put themselves right in the playoff mix. Now, they find themselves holding on for dear life and tonight will not be much easier.
Obviously, constancy has been their problem. You can go on these streaks like this and find now common ground. They're going to probably need to win out to make the playoffs and they have games vs. the Canadiens, the Sabres and the Bruins.
This team hasn't been the best on paper this season. They rank towards the bottom of the league for goals scored and shooting percentage on offense. On defense, they're towards the bottom for goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game.
In net, we're expected to see Jet Greaves. He is 24-16-9 this season with a 2.56 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings picks.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings Betting Odds and Game Information
Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings Betting Odds – April 7
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +1.5 (-275) | -105 | Over 5.5 (-135) |
| Detroit Red Wings | -1.5 (+200) | -115 | Under 5.5 (+115) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings Game Information
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
- Date: Tuesday April 7, 2026
- Puck Drop: 7 p.m. EST
- TV: FDSDET, FDSOH, ESPN+
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings Picks and Prediction
Red Wings forwards Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin celebrate after scoring a goal.
Blue Jackets vs. Red Wings Picks and Predictions: Detroit Red Wings Moneyline (-115) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
Give me the Wings to take this one. Both teams have their backs against the wall, but I'm going with the team who only has one option. I think we see a bit of a chess match, so definitely leaning the under, but Detroit's taking this one.
Like I mentioned before, they were in the thick of the playoffs all season until Boston and Ottawa stepped it up. That hunger is going to return tonight and they're going to win this game. Their home record along with Columbus' away record should also play a factor.
Alex DeBrincat has been playing on a whole different level. He is coming off two stinker games but hit his 4 or more shots on goal in eight games straight prior. DeBrincat also has 15 points in that ten-game span. Give me his shots, parlay his point and sprinkle the anytime goal.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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