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Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 31, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 31, 2024 6:30 PM
The Carolina Hurricanes, riding high on a 22-13-1 record, travel to Nationwide Arena to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets on New Year's Eve. The Blue Jackets, looking to even the season series, will rely on their strong home record (11-4-3) to take down their Metropolitan Division rivals. With Jack Roslovic fresh off a 2-goal game, the Hurricanes will aim to capitalize on their momentum in this pivotal matchup.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Current Odds

CAR
CBJ
Over
6.5
+102
Under
6.5
-108
CAR
-1.5
+108
CBJ
+1.5
-116
CAR
ML
-235
CBJ
ML
+211

Hurricanes vs Blue Jackets statistics

Stat Hurricanes Blue Jackets
Goals For per Game 3.47 3.30
Goals Against Average 2.81 3.60
Shots per Game 31.9 30.1
Shots Against per Game 25.1 29.0
Power Play Goals 29 21
Power Play Goals Against 16 27
Short Handed Goals 3 4
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 260 327
Power Play Percentage 25.7 21.0
Penalty Kill Percentage 85.7 75.0

Columbus Blue Jackets recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/28/24 @ Boston Bruins L 4-0
12/27/24 vs Boston Bruins W 6-2
12/23/24 vs Montreal Canadiens W 5-4
12/21/24 @ Philadelphia Flyers L 5-4 OT
12/19/24 vs New Jersey Devils W 4-2

Carolina Hurricanes recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/28/24 vs New Jersey Devils W 5-2
12/27/24 @ New Jersey Devils L 4-2
12/23/24 @ Nashville Predators L 5-2
12/22/24 @ New York Rangers W 3-1
12/20/24 @ Washington Capitals L 3-1

Columbus Blue Jackets injuries

  • Elvis Merzlikins (G): Day-To-Day
  • Zach Werenski (D): Day-To-Day
  • Justin Danforth (RW): Injured Reserve
  • Dante Fabbro (D): Day-To-Day
  • Jack Johnson (D): Day-To-Day

Carolina Hurricanes injuries

  • Shayne Gostisbehere (D): Out
  • Jack Drury (C): Injured Reserve
  • Pyotr Kochetkov (G): Day-To-Day
  • Seth Jarvis (C): Injured Reserve
  • Riley Stillman (D): Injured Reserve

Hurricanes vs Blue Jackets game info

Type Info
Venue Nationwide Arena
Location Columbus, OH
Puck drop Tue 8:00 PM

Hurricanes vs Blue Jackets predictions

When it comes to the Carolina Hurricanes, keep an eye on Jack Roslovic as he seems to be finding his stride with that recent two-goal game still fresh in his skates. Feel like he’s got another hot streak in him? His knack for getting into scoring positions and capitalizing on opportunities could spell trouble for the Blue Jackets' defense. And let’s not forget Martin Necas, who’s been the playmaker for the Hurricanes, threading passes like a seasoned quarterback. With 30 assists to his name, Necas might just be the linchpin that can break apart Columbus's defensive setup. A little teamwork and synergy between these two could potentially set the stage for a thrilling performance at Nationwide Arena.

On the flipside, the Columbus Blue Jackets will be hoping Kirill Marchenko can add to his tally of 14 goals. Remember, he’s the spark in their offensive engine right now, and if he gets on a roll, the Hurricanes will have their work cut out for them defensively. With Roslovic on the ice and Marchenko close behind, there’s that undercurrent of rivalry that always makes games like these far more engaging. Of course, there's also Zach Werenski. Although currently day-to-day with injury concerns, his potential return would be a massive boost for the Jackets. His 28 assists highlight his vision and ability to create opportunities, and any chance of having him back in the lineup would certainly be something the Blue Jackets welcome.

Now, let’s talk predictions – a bit like trying to peer into a crystal ball, but that’s what makes sports thrilling, right? The Hurricanes, being slightly higher up in the Metropolitan Division standings, come in with just a tad more momentum. The odds suggest a Carolina edge, especially with Roslovic heating up. However, let’s not dismiss the Blue Jackets' impressive home record and their potential for an upset. It’s going to be a close contest, but if I were to put my two cents in, I’d lean toward the Hurricanes narrowly skating away with the win. What about you? Which team do you think has the edge for this matchup?

Columbus Blue Jackets

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