There are only two NHL games on the NHL schedule on Friday, one of which sees the Columbus Blue Jackets (1-2-0) hosting the Calgary Flames (2-1-1). Calgary is playing in the second half of a back-to-back after beating the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 on Thursday. Columbus is concluding a four-game home stand.
Flames vs Blue JacketsPicks
NHL Pick: Blue Jackets +120
Because Dan Vladar started for the Flames on Thursday, Jakob Markstrom (2.97 GAA, .898 save percentage) is expected to start Friday against the Blue Jackets.
Elvis Merzlikins (1.84 GAA, .950 save percentage) is likely to start in goal for what is the fourth game on the Columbus Blue Jackets schedule.
Here’s a closer look at the Flames vs Blue Jackets betting analysis.
Flames vs. Blue Jackets Odds
Calgary Flames vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Information
Calgary Flames vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Location of the game: Nationwide Arena. Columbus, Ohio.
Date & Time: Friday, October 20. 7:00 p.m. ET.
How to Watch: ESPN+ | SN1 (Canada)
Recent Scores
- As mentioned, Calgary defeated the Sabres 4-3 on Thursday night. Vladar, in his first start of the season, made 24 saves on 27 shots in the win. Jonathan Huberdeau and Walker Duehr were among the goal-scorers for the Flames. Before that, the Flames lost 3-2 in a shootout to the Washington Capitals.
- Columbus, meanwhile, has played its first three NHL teams at home and is wrapping up a four-game homestand on Friday. They’re coming off of a shutout loss against the Detroit Red Wings and beat the New York Rangers 5-3 on Saturday. They’re in seventh place in the NHL standings for the Metropolitan Division.
Calgary Flames vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Analysis
Flames Looking for Consistency
Calgary is among the NHL picks for a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs in 2022-23, in large part due to the poor play of Huberdeau and Markstrom. Both players are expected to rebound this season and lead the Flames to a playoff spot in the ever-competitive Western Conference. Yet, it has been a shaky start thus far for the Flames.
The Flames are middle of the pack in most key team stats while, before Thursday’s game against Buffalo, Noah Hanafin, Elias Lindholm, and Andrew Mangiapane were tied for the team lead in NHL player stats with three points. Fans have to wonder if the Calgary Flames roster is good enough to push for a playoff spot.
Blue Jackets Looking to Split Four-Game Homestand
Columbus, like the Flames, has high expectations this season. The team made a significant signing last off-season in Johnny Gaudreau and proceeded to finish near the bottom of the standings.
They sought to go in a new direction with Mike Babcock as the new head coach, but he didn’t even make it to preseason before resigning due to inappropriate player conduct.
Last season’s poor result, plus the Babcock controversy, is clearly looming over the team as they’ve gotten off to a disappointing 1-2 start on their season-opening four-game homestand.
Columbus is an underdog in the Flames vs Blue Jackets betting analysis, but they’ll need a win to gain some momentum early in the season. Captain Boone Jenner leads the team in scoring with four points, while Kirill Marchenko is second with three points, all assists.
Marchenko had just four assists – and 21 goals – in 59 games last season.
Updates
Oliver Kylington is on the NHL injury report for the Flames, as is forward Kevin Rooney. Zach Werenski and Yegor Chinakov are out for the Flames.
Flames vs. Blue Jackets Betting Preview
- Flames: Calgary is a -140 favorite in the Flames vs Blue Jackets betting analysis and has a puck line of -1.5 (+175).
- Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets are +120 underdogs with a +1.5 (-210) puck line.
- Over/Under: The over/under is 6.5.
Calgary Flames vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Prediction
The Blue Jackets moneyline, especially at +120 at home and considering the Flames are playing their second game in two nights, is great value. There’s also plenty of reason to believe Columbus gets in the win column. Especially with the play of Merzlikins early this season.
- NHL Pick: Blue Jackets +120
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.
