Columbus Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames Betting Picks & Predictions

Game outlook

This article provides a summary of an upcoming ice hockey game between two teams, Columbus and Calgary, eager to improve their playoff standings in Cowtown. Both teams will be on the road as they travel to Calgary for the game scheduled on Thursday night. Previously, Columbus suffered a 4-1 defeat against Edmonton, while Calgary was defeated 4-3 by St. Louis in their last matches on Tuesday night. The Flames have won seven out of the last ten meetings between the teams, but the Blue Jackets secured a 3-1 home victory in their first encounter this season on October 20, 2023. Calgary is the favored team in this game with odds opening at -197 and remaining unchanged.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Blue Jackets +168 | Flames -197

Spread: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-143) | Flames -1.5 (+125)

Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Calgary will win straight-up is 66%.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus suffered their second consecutive loss and their fifth in six games as they struggled to generate offense against the Oilers. Currently at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with a record of 14-23-9, the Blue Jackets are significantly behind the Rangers by 24 points for the division's top spot. They are also trailing by 18 points for the final guaranteed playoff spot and 16 points for the second wild card spot. Columbus ranks 23rd in goals per game, averaging 2.91, and 31st in goals against, allowing an average of 3.74 per game. Their power play success rate is 27th at 14.4%, while their penalty killing efficiency is 20th at 79.4%. Despite having opportunities against Edmonton, particularly in the early stages of the game where they outshot their opponents in the first period, Columbus could not generate enough offense to secure a victory. Dmitiri Voronkov scored the tying goal for the Blue Jackets at 15:25 of the first period, assisted by Kent Johnson. The second period remained scoreless with Columbus having the advantage in shots on goal. However, in the final period, the Blue Jackets were outshot and outscored, resulting in the loss. Elvis Merzlikins made 20 saves for Columbus in the game but was unable to prevent the defeat. Additionally, Columbus currently holds a power ranking of 27 and ranks 23rd in offense, 31st in defense, with a record of 5-5 this season. A textbook give and go worthy of a second look! 👀 @FanaticsBook | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Q1R3Tfro4K