Columbus Blue Jackets vs Carolina Hurricanes Pick
From the NHL schedule for Thursday, January 13, 2022, we offer our Columbus vs Carolina prediction. The Columbus Blue Jackets (16-17-1 Overall, 5-11-0 Away) have lost three straight road games. They are 5-10-0 versus conference opponents. With 33 points, Columbus is 10th in the East. Over their last 10 games, the Jackets are 3-6-1. The Carolina Hurricanes (24-7-2 Overall, 11-3-1 Home), who are 8-1-1 for their last 10 contests, are coming off a 3-4 loss to the Panthers on January 8. They have accumulated 50 points, which puts them three points between the two top teams in the Eastern Conference, Florida and Tampa Bay.
The game will be played at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Faceoff is 7:00 pm ET. It will be carried on ESPN+.
Columbus vs Carolina Prediction – Keys
Statistically, our Columbus vs Carolina prediction notes that the Canes are +42 in GF/GA differential while the Jackets are -14. Carolina holds the advantage in goals per game (3.48-3.09), shooting percentage (33.5-29.3), power play goals (24-14), and power play percentage (24.0-15.9). Plus, they are superior in goals against (2.21-3.56), goals against percentage (27.5-34.4), power play goals allowed (12-21), and power play defense (90.0-77.9).
Blue Jackets - Players
Columbus comes to tonight’s game with a solid group of players who can pour in points and accumulate assists. However, it’s tough to find a Blue Jacket who’s on the plus side of the +/- stat. The top three players in points for the Jackets, wingers Jakub Voracek (25) and Oliver Bjorkstrand (25) and center Boone Jenner (22), are all on the negative side of the ledger and possess a combined minus 25. On defense, Zach Werenski, who is minus two, has six goals and 15 assists. He’s solid as is center Sean Kuraly. Kuraly has recorded 11 points and is at plus six. In goal, Elvis Merzlikins (12-8-1, 3.20 GAA, .907) is performing well. However, he last played against Carolina on January 1, losing that game and being pulled after 19:08 and giving up four goals. He’s looking to rebound in this game.
Hurricanes - Players
In comparison, our Columbus vs Carolina prediction finds that all but three Carolina players are on the plus side. Each of the three who are in the negative are minus one. Center Sebastian Aho (15 Gs, 22 ASTs, +13) leads a dynamic offense that can switch to defense instantly. Top performers include left wing Teuvo Teravainen (10 Gs, 17 ASTs, +14), right wing Andrei Svechnikov (12 Gs, 14 ASTs, +10), and defenseman Tony DeAngelo (6 Gs, 18 ASTs, +10). In goal, Frederik Andersen (18-5-0, 1.96 GAA, .929 SV%) is playing at an exceptionally high level.
Columbus vs Carolina Prediction - Puckline & Totals
Thus far in this season, the Jackets and Canes have met twice with Carolina, winning both games. On October 23, the Hurricanes beat the Blue Jackets 5-1. More recently, on January 1, Carolina took down Columbus 7-4. Both games were played on the Jackets’ home ice. Our Columbus vs Carolina prediction notes that the Hurricanes are deeper and playing much better hockey than their opponent. We’re going with the Canes tonight at -1.5 (+105). Plus, we definitely like the over on 6.0 goals (-115).
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Summary – Columbus Blue Jackets vs Carolina Hurricanes Pick:
Puckline Pick – Carolina at -1.5 (+105)
Totals Pick - Over 6.0 (-115)
