NHL Playoffs Monday: Blue Jackets v Bruins. Dietel weighs in on whether Columbus can force a Game 7

Best Bet: BLUE JACKETS (ML) over Bruins

The Skinny
We believe that the Blue Jackets have what it takes to force a game 7 tonight at home against Boston. They have the fire power on offense with Matt Duchene coming up big and scoring both of Columbus’ game winning goals this series, they play structured defense with Seth Jones leading their defensive core, and Sergei Bobrovsky has been a brick wall in net. We don’t think they go down without a fight. These two teams are too good to not take this to 7 games. The Bruins on the other side of the coin look weathered and battered. There’s been speculation that both David Pastrnak and Patrice Begeron are dealing with minor injuries and playing through the pain. This is the perfect opportunity for Columbus to strike and we think they take full advantage. The biggest challenge will be sneaking a few past Boston goaltender Tukka Rask, who has been on his A-game this series.