Columbus vs. Florida. NHL match prediction and bets

Current form

Columbus did not start the regular season in the best way and in their first match they suffered a defeat to the clear favorite Minnesota with a score of 2:3. The Blue Jackets looked no worse than their competitor and even made many more shots on goal, but this did not bring the desired result. Goalkeeper Merzlikin did not play well, reflecting only 88% of the shots. Continuing to play on the road, the Jackets met with Colorado and, quite unexpectedly, won a confident victory (6:4). The attacking line of the first link showed a great game, scoring four goals, and in total they managed to score 10 scoring actions.

Judging by the pre-season, Evanson Dean men did not approach the new season in the best shape, as they showed weak results at the end of the series of friendly matches, losing three out of four matches. And in general, you should not expect great play from the team this year either, given their minor reinforcements in the off-season.

Disqualifications and injuries

It worth noting that Columbus has roster issues, with Voronkov, Jenner and Danforth in the infirmary, and Aston-Reese still in question.

Interesting trends for betting

• Columbus averages 28 shots per game

So far, the Blue Jackets' offensive line has not been playing its most active game and has taken few shots at the opponent goal.

• The Blazers won just 44% of their faceoffs.

Columbus has serious problems with the puck, and it constantly goes to the opponents.

Current form

Florida started the regular season at home, where in their first match they pleased fans with a great offensive performance, winning a confident 6:4 victory over Boston. It is difficult to even single out any of the players, as many distinguished themselves with effective actions, but goalie Bobrovsky did not play reliably enough. We are used to seeing more expressive play from him. Then the Panthers went to play on the road, where they were unable to show their potential, first losing to Ottawa (1:3), and then to Buffalo (2:5). Remarkably, Bobrovsky began to pick up the pace and looked much more reliable in the match with Ottawa, but in the duel with the Sabres they released Knight onto the ice, who showed himself much worse than his teammate.

The Panthers were able to redeem themselves in front of the fans for the lost points in the return match with Boston, winning their second victory over a very serious opponent with a score of 4:3. Reinhart and Lundell became the best players of the match, scoring twice each.

Disqualifications and injuries

Florida will be without several players in the upcoming match. Tkachuk, Nosek and Barsok are in the infirmary.

Interesting trends for betting

• Florida is allowing an average of 3.6 goals per game.

The Panthers' defensive line is not performing at its best, and the goalies are not doing their job well.

• The Panthers are averaging five penalties per game.

One of the club main problems is their poor discipline. The team breaks the rules too often, which gives an advantage to their opponents.