The Columbus Blue Jackets, led by Artemi Panarin and Cam Atkinson, are preparing to take the ice against Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm, and the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome in an East-West showdown. Sportsnet West will broadcast the action, which gets going at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 19.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames Odds
The Flames (-135) are tabbed as the favorites over the Blue Jackets (+115) and the Over/Under (O/U) has been placed at 7 goals (-110 over, -110 under).
Earning moneyline bettors 8.3 units, Calgary is 44-28 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That winning percentage, the league’s second-best so far in this young season, is a welcomed improvement compared to how the team performed during last year’s regular season (37-45). Through 72 regular season contests, 38 of its games have gone over the total, while 30 have gone under and just four have pushed. Thus far, the team’s 23-12 SU at home.
The Flames have converted on 21.0 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 21st overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.1 percent of all penalties.
With a .910 save percentage and 24.8 saves per game, David Rittich (26-15-5) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Flames this year. If the Flames, however, decide to rest him, the team might turn to Mike Smith (20-16-16 record, .896 save percentage, 2.88 goals against average).
Over on the other bench, Columbus is 40-32 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.6 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 72 regular season outings, 39 of its games have gone under the total, while 27 have gone over and just six have pushed. The Blue Jackets are 20-14 SU as a road team this season.
The Blue Jackets have converted on just 15.0 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that places them in the bottom-five overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked fourth overall and it’s successfully killed off 84.6 percent of all opponent power plays.
Sergei Bobrovsky (2.71 goals against average and .909 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Columbus. Bobrovsky is averaging 25.9 saves per game and owns a 31-23-1 record.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Calgary Flames Betting Predictions
Prediction: SU Winner – Flames, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- The Flames are 0-4 in games decided by a shootout this season while the Blue Jackets are 1-1 in shootouts.
- The under has hit in four of Columbus’ last five games.
- Columbus has managed 27.8 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Calgary has been attempting 36.0 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Columbus skaters created 21.8 hits per game last season, while the Flames forced 20.0 hits per contest.
