Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes Prediction, Preview, and Odds

Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes are both looking to improve from last season. The Blue Jacket missed the playoffs last year but with a strong offseason, look to be in the mix in Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference. Carolina finished last term with the best record in their division with 54-20-8, but after a Second Round exit, are looking for the next step and win the Stanley Cup.

Blue Jackets hope their defense can improve this season. Johnny Gaudreau joined Patrik Laine, Boone Jenner, and Jakub Voracek as the Blue Jackets' top forwards. Adam Boqvist and Zach Werenski added 22 goals and 48 assists last year. Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrew Peeke return after combining for 5.4 defensive point shares and 307 blocked shots last season, but the rest of the defense struggled.

Hurricanes finished last season with the best record in the Metropolitan Division but stumbled in Second Round. The offense will be carried by Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis. Vincent Trocheck and Nino Niederreiter left the team in offseason. Defense lost Ian Cole and Anthony DeAngelo in summer and replaced them with 38-year-old Brent Burns. Frederik Andersen is coming off a remarkable year with a 2.17 goals-against average on 1431 shots.

All predictions are made well in advance of the game. Don't bet this pick before calling the freeWinners and Whiners Hotline to make sure the pick is still good.

Call 1-213-205-3114 (recorded message) to get the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Carolina Hurricanes prediction, preview and odds.

The Blue Jackets are the road underdog against the Hurricanes. They look to overwhelm the team with one of the most improved rosters. The Blue Jacket's defense will force turnovers and limit shots on the net. Elvis Merzlikins will make big saves in the goal.

Both teams have great offenses. The Hurricanes' offense should create plenty of scoring chances. Blue Jackets' forward unit should score a lot of goals. Zach Werenski and Adam Boqvist should pick apart the Hurricanes defense.

Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. He has started a podcast called "The Mike and Grover Show" which discusses all things football. Mike advises hockey betting.