Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 12/31/24

In this article, we will formulate a Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, December 31st at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Carolina Hurricanes Betting Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes are 22-13-1 this year after they defeated New Jersey by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Carolina trailed 2-1 in the third period, but they scored the last four goals in the game for the win. The Hurricanes outshot New Jersey by a total of 41-23, won 61% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Carolina got goals from Aho, Blake, Roslovic (2), and Orlov, while Tokarski stopped 21 out of 23 shots in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Hurricanes lost to the Devils by a score of 4-2, lost to the Predators by a score of 5-2, and beat the Rangers by a score of 3-1. Carolina has scored 3.47 goals per game and they have allowed 2.81 goals against per game, while also going 25.7% on the power play and 85.7% on the penalty kill this season. Martin Necas has led Carolina with 14 goals, 30 assists, and 85 shots on goal, while Sebastian Aho has added 12 goals, 26 assists, and 93 shots on goal. Pyotr Kochetkov is 14-7-0 with a 2.51 goals against average and a .900 save percentage this year. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 15-16-6 this season after they lost to Boston by a score of 4-0 in their last game. Columbus allowed one goal in the first, two in the second, and one in the third in the shutout loss. The Blue Jackets were outgained by a total of 28-18, won 48.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Columbus was led by Marchenko and Werenski, who both had four shots on goal, while Tarasov stopped 24 out of 28 shots in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Blue Jackets defeated the Bruins by a score of 6-2, defeated the Canadiens by a score of 5-4, and lost to Philadelphia by a score of 5-4. Columbus has lost seven of their last ten games and they have 36 points on the season. Columbus has scored 3.30 goals per game and they have allowed 3.60 goals against per game, while also going 21% on the power play and 75% on the penalty kill this season. Kirill Marchenko has led Columbus with 14 goals, 26 assists, and 107 shots on goal, while Zach Werenski has added 11 goals, 28 assists, and 134 shots on goal this year. Elvis Merzlikins is 11-9-3 with a 3.09 goals against average and an .890 save percentage this season. 

Why the Blue Jackets will beat the Hurricanes

• The home team has won each of the Blue Jackets’ last seven games.
• The Hurricanes have lost five of their last six games as road favorites.
• The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in 12 of their last 13 games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Hurricanes have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games following a win.
• The Hurricanes have lost the second period in each of their last five road games following a win.

Total Goals Facts

• Nine of the Hurricanes’ last 10 games against the Blue Jackets following a home win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Ten of the Blue Jackets’ last 12 home games have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Five of the last six night games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone OVER the total goal line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Hurricanes’ last eight games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the last four games between the Hurricanes and Blue Jackets.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Zach Werenski has recorded at least one point in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 12 games at Nationwide Arena.
• Kent Johnson has recorded at least one assist in four of the Blue Jackets’ last five games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Zach Werenski has scored a goal in four of the Blue Jackets’ last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents at Nationwide Arena.

Carolina Hurricanes Player Prop Facts

• Jesperi Kotkaniemi has recorded at least one assist in each of the Hurricanes’ last four games at Nationwide Arena.
• Sebastian Aho has scored a goal in each of his last four appearances with the Hurricanes as favorites against the Blue Jackets.
• Sebastian Aho has recorded at least one point in 14 of the Hurricanes’ last 15 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction 

These two teams have played twice so far this season, with Columbus winning by a score of 5-4 in a shootout and Carolina winning by a score of 4-1 in their second meeting. The Hurricanes have been one of the best home teams in the NHL, but they are just 8-9-1 on the road. On the other side, Columbus has really struggled on the road, but they are 11-4-3 at home. 

Carolina is the much better team when looking at the records, but they have scored two goals or fewer in three of their last four road games. The Hurricanes are only allowing 2.81 goals against per game and their penalty kill is at 85.7% on the year. Columbus was shutout in their last game, but they have scored at least four goals in four of their last five. I think this game is going to be closer than most people think and I am going to take a shot on the Blue Jackets at home with the plus money.