Stanley Cup Playoffs: Thursday Night NHL Preview

A pair of Game 4 matchups loom in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday, as the Boston Bruins look to get out of Columbus with a split, while the Colorado Avalanche will look to even its series with the Sharks at home.

Boston Bruins (-105) at Columbus Blue Jackets (-115), 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN

After a 3-2 overtime Game 1 win, the Bruins have fallen behind 2-1 in the series, and the Blue Jackets will look to take a commanding lead at home.

The Blue Jackets are very good in the third period. They protected a 2-1 lead in Game 3, they forced overtime in Game 2 by holding the Bruins scoreless goals in the third, and in Game 1 Columbus scored 2 goals in the final frame.

That positive Blue Jackets trend, owning the third period, can't be ignored. Columbus is also 8-1 in its last nine home games.

NHL Free Pick: Blue Jackets

San Jose Sharks (+110) at Colorado Avalanche (-130), 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN

San Jose, like Columbus, could also take a 3-1 series lead Thursday night after a 4-2 victory in Game 3.

The trends indicate Colorado bounces back with a Game 4 win. The Avalanche are 8-1 in their last nine home games. They've also won 11-of-13 after a day of rest.

NHL Free Pick: Avalanche