When looking at the Columbus Blue Jackets standings, one thing stands out. If the Blue Jackets only played hockey in Columbus, Ohio, they would be a mediocre hockey team. Unfortunately for Columbus, there are 31 other teams located outside of Ohio that it must deal with.
The Blue Jackets, who are 3-15-1 on the road, will be in a tough spot when they travel to Canada to take on the Calgary Flames Monday night.
Calgary won’t want to miss out on winning any NHL games against a Columbus team that is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Flames have been inconsistent this season but are hoping to start stringing together wins to get back into playoff contention.
Calgary is locked into a competitive Pacific Division where first and fifth place are only separated by seven points.
Here’s a look at how Calgary will handle a matchup with one of the teams that have gone through a ton of struggles during this NHL season.
Blue Jackets vs. Flames Odds
Matchup Preview
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames
Location of the game: Scotiabank Saddledome. Alberta, Canada.
Date: Monday, January 23, 9:30 PM.
Odds: Blues Jackets +290/Flames -360. Over/under 6.5
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames Betting Preview
Blue Jackets have done everything the hard way
The Blue Jackets don’t get as much juice as many NHL teams when they are on the power play. Columbus has only converted 14.3 percent of its opportunities this season, which is the worst rate in the league. The Blue Jackets’ offense as a whole has struggled throughout the season, only putting up 2.5 goals per game.
Columbus is 20-26 against the puck line this season. Anyone making a Blue Jackets vs Flames prediction will also see that the total has gone over in 25 of Columbus’ 46 games. Over the past ten games, the Blue Jackets have seen the total go over ten times. Columbus has lost seven of its past ten games.
The NHL injury report has hit Columbus hard at times this season. The Blue Jackets have a number of players out on the injured reserve, including Zach Werenski. NHL standings show Columbus hasn’t been competitive for most of the season. Johnny Gaudreau, who leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with 13 goals, will be returning to the place where he started his career.
Calgary wants to keep grinding out victories
People making NHL expert picks will see the Flames have played a number of low-scoring games recently. Calgary has seen six of the past ten games go under the total. The Flames have been effective at limiting the opportunities of their opponents.
Calgary is second in the league in shots allowed, only conceding 27.9 shots per game. People making a Blue Jackets vs Flames prediction can also see that Columbus has an excellent penalty kill, stopping employees 82.1 percent of the time. Calgary has had its share of issues on offense. The Flames only convert 19.9 percent of their power-play opportunities, which ranks 24th in the league.
NHL player stats show Nazem Kadri leads the Flames in scoring with 18 goals. Tyler Toffoloi (17 goals), Elias Lindholm (14), and Dillon Dube (11) have also contributed double-digit goals for the Flames. Calgary has put together a 19-28 record against the puck line on its NHL schedule.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames Pick and Prediction
NHL odds show the Blue Jackets have been pretty poor on the road. Columbus doesn’t seem to have the punch on offense to break down what is a pretty solid Calgary defense. The Flames also can afford to take extra risks as Columbus hasn’t made teams pay on the power play this season.
When it comes to NHL picks, this is a spot to grab Calgary to pick up two points at home and continue to put pressure on the other Wild Card teams in the Western Conference. Anyone making Blue Jackets vs Flames prediction would be bold to bet on the Blue Jackets away from home.
Final Score Prediction: Calgary 4, Columbus 2
Pick: Calgary -360
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