Columbus vs. Carolina: NHL Match Prediction
On January 1, Columbus will play at home as part of the NHL regular championship. The team will face a very serious opponent in the form of Carolina and will try to give a worthy rebuff to the Hurricanes using the advantage of their home walls. Our experts, in turn, have prepared the most optimal bets, which we suggest you read below

Command Analysis

Columbus Blue Jackets

Current form
Columbus picked up a great pace and started earning points consistently. After a very disappointing overtime loss to Philadelphia (4:5), the team returned to their home arena, where they redeemed themselves in front of the fans for the lost points, winning in regulation time with a score of 5:4. The first line showed an amazing game, and together they were able to earn 11 points. Continuing to play at home, the team fought a much more serious opponent in the person of Boston and crushed the Bruins with a difference of four goals (6:2). This time, the most productive was defenseman Werenski, who gave four assists.
It seemed that after such a successful performance at home, the Blue Jackets would also be able to grab points in the return match with the Bears, but this did not happen. This time, there were serious problems with both creating and realizing moments in attack, and in the end, they had to give in dry (0:4). Goalkeeper Tarasov did not cope with his task, reflecting only 85% of the shots. So far, the Jackets have not been able to rise to the playoff zone, occupying the tenth line in the Eastern Conference table, and the club is four points away from the eighth position.
Disqualifications and injuries
Columbus' infirmary remains unchanged. Gudbranson and Jenner will definitely be out of the upcoming match, and Chinakhov remains questionable.
Interesting trends for betting
- On average, Columbus concedes 3.6 goals per game.
The team continues to experience serious problems in defense, letting in too many goals.
- The Blazers converted just 19% of their power play attempts.
The team also doesn't make the best use of opponents' removals.

Carolina Hurricanes

Current form
Recently, Carolina has been showing inconsistent results and often losing points. The team away series ended unsuccessfully: the Hurricanes suffered a major defeat from Nashville with a score of 2:5. Goalkeeper Tokarski showed a weak game, reflecting only 83% of shots. The team also could not impose a decent fight on the leader of the Eastern Conference, New Jersey, losing by two goals (2:4). In this match, Kochetkov was in goal, and he performed even worse than his teammate.
Returning to their home arena, Carolina broke their losing streak, beating the Devils 5-2. In this match, the team demonstrated their attacking potential, making 41 shots on goal in three periods. Active play allowed the Hurricanes to compensate for their defensive lapses and realize their potential. Forward Roslavik became the most productive player, scoring twice and making an assist. It is worth noting that Carolina has been showing good play throughout the regular season and has so far avoided long slumps, which allows the team to occupy fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, with 45 points.
Disqualifications and injuries
Carolina has some problems with its roster. Four players are in the infirmary: Gostisbehere, Fast, Drury and Andersen.
Interesting trends for betting
- On average, Carolina scores 3.5 goals per game.
The team is famous for its effective attacking play.
- The Hurricanes average seven penalty minutes per game.
It is also worth noting the club good discipline, which allows it to remain at full strength.
Trends
Goal in each period bet - yes
In three head-to-head matches in a row, the teams scored a goal in each period
1.45Bet 2nd period: total over 1.5 goals
In four of the five head-to-head matches, the teams scored more than one goal in the second period.
1.50Tip and bets
Columbus returned to its home arena, where it has been consistently pleasing fans with successful results lately and even beating clear favorites. But Carolina has been having serious problems away for a long time. The Hurricanes have won only one victory in eight away games, which the Blue Jackets can take advantage of. Indeed, the Jackets have gained good form and should be able to put up a serious fight with their opponents. We believe that the Jackets, at a minimum, will not lose in regulation time.
Our prediction is Columbus will not lose in 2.07
Bet on total
In the upcoming match, we can expect a large number of goals scored. Both teams have been betting on the attacking line throughout the regular season, which has consistently led to high-scoring matches.
Forecast - total over six goals for 1.83
Bet on the outcome of the first period
We must not forget the fact that Columbus will be playing at home, where, with the support of the fans, it has every chance of giving Carolina a worthy rebuff right from the start of the match.
Prediction - Columbus will not lose in the first period for 1.52