The Boston Bruins are right back to action against the Columbus Blue Jackets when they host Game 1 of the second round of the 2018-19 Stanley Cup Playoffs Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern, just two nights after beating the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7.

Odds provided by Bet365; for a full-set of today's sports betting odds, access them at USA TODAY Sports.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins: By the Numbers

• After entering the postseason as the Eastern Conference's second wildcard team, the Blue Jackets swept the Presidents' Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning in four games and have been resting since Tuesday, April 16 as a result. Rust could be a factor.
• Columbus outscored the Lightning 19-8 in four games, winning the final three of the series by at least two goals each.

• The Bruins went the distance against the Maple Leafs, but won the final two games by a combined six goals. Exhaustion could be a factor here.
• Bruins LW Brad Marchand ranks fourth among all postseason players with nine points through seven games. Blue Jackets C Matt Duchene led his team with seven points in the first round.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins: Projected Goalie Starters

Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Tuukka Rask

Bobrovsky and Rask rank fifth and sixth, respectively, among playoff goalies in save percentage and goals against average. The Blue Jackets' goaltender allowed just eight goals on 117 shots from the regular season's top offense of the Lightning.

Rask played his best game of the playoffs in Game 7 against Toronto, stopping 32 of 33 shots faced.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins: Key Injuries

Blue Jackets D Markus Nutivaara missed the final two games of Round 1 due to an upper-body injury and it's unclear whether he's received enough rest to return. Ds Adam McQuaid and Ryan Murray are expected to remain out.

Bruins Ds Kevan Miller and Connor Clifton will stay sidelined for at least the beginning of the second round.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins: NHL Best Bet

Moneyline: The well-rested Blue Jackets open the series as +140 underdogs at TD Garden in Boston. The outcome of this one will be another data point in the long-running debate between extended rest vs. staying active in the postseason, but we'll side with the fresh legs of Columbus.

Against the spread: The Blue Jackets are a heavy favorite at -220 to cover the +1.5 spread. Go with the moneyline victory, instead.

Over/under: Columbus topped Thursday's total of 5.5 in three of its four games against Tampa Bay, while the Bruins went over the number in their final three victories of Round 1. With the excellent Bobrovsky being well rested, roll with the UNDER at the better number of -105.

Follow Esten on Twitter @EstenMcLaren

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