The Columbus Blue Jackets (12-13-5) travel to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes (18-10-1) on Sunday, December 15th. This game will be played at Lenovo Center in Raleigh and televised on ESPN+. The Hurricanes are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Blue Jackets are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Capitals. Puck drop is set for 5:00 ET.

Blue Jackets vs Hurricanes

The Columbus Blue Jackets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Blue Jackets fell to 12-13-5 after a 7-2 loss to the Capitals. Columbus, the underdog on the puck line, allowed the game’s first goal just 56 seconds in and gave up five goals in the first period. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 9 goals easily went over.

Columbus didn’t score until the second period, when Damon Severson found the net at 19:11. The Capitals responded with another goal at 15:09, and the Blue Jackets’ Kevin Labanc scored at 5:24 to make it 6-2. Washington added one more goal in the third period to seal the win.

The Carolina Hurricanes Are Coming Off A Win

Carolina improved to 18-10-1 with a 4-2 win over the Capitals. The Hurricanes covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 6 goals matched the pre-game line.

The Hurricanes scored first, but the Capitals responded with two goals in the first period. Carolina then scored three unanswered goals, including an empty-netter, to secure the win.

Columbus Offense Breakdown

Columbus took 36 shots on goal but only scored twice in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson netted his 4th goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his 2nd. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period before Severson put them on the board 49 seconds into the second.

Columbus registered 13 giveaways and failed to convert on any power play opportunities. Adam Fantilli picked up his 4th assist on Severson’s goal, and Sean Monahan earned his 5th assist on Labanc’s score.

Hurricanes Offense Breakdown

Dmitry Orlov found the net twice in Carolina’s 4-2 win over the Capitals, scoring his third goal of the season. Orlov was efficient, scoring on two of his three shots on goal. Martin Necas added his sixth goal of the season and picked up two assists, bringing his assist total to 12.

Andrei Svechnikov closed out the scoring with an empty-netter, his sixth goal of the year. The Hurricanes fired 45 shots on goal but were held scoreless on the power play. Carolina scored once in the first period, twice in the second, and added their final goal with just nine seconds left.

Columbus Team Defense

Columbus’ defense struggled early, conceding five goals in the first period, including the opening goal just 56 seconds in. While they tightened up in the second, allowing just one goal, Washington added another late in the third, leading to a 7-2 loss. Goalie Daniil Tarasov finished with a 68.2% save percentage on 22 shots.

Carolina Team Defense

Pyotr Kochetkov made 19 saves with a 90.5% save percentage, helping the Hurricanes secure a 4-2 win over Washington. Carolina’s defense finished with 7 takeaways, 10 hits, and 11 blocks. After giving up two late goals in the first period, they shut out the Capitals in the second and third.

Blue Jackets vs Hurricanes Trends

• Across their ten previous road games, Columbus has an puck line mark of 3-7. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-7 while averaging 2 goals per game.
• Across the Hurricanes last three home games, the team averaged 2 goals per game while allowing 2. Their record vs the puck line in these contests was 1-2, while going 2-1 straight-up.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Hurricanes have a strong straight up record of 2-1. In addition, their puck line record was 2-1 in these scenarios.
• The last five games that Columbus was favored, they have an puck line mark of 2-3 while going 2-3 straight up.

Blue Jackets vs Hurricanes Prediction

When it comes to a straight moneyline bet, look no further than the Hurricanes. Nevertheless, given the payout of -354, you could also think about incorporating this bet into a parlay.

For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Blue Jackets to cover. Even if the Hurricanes secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Blue Jackets should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.