LiontipsColumbus vs. Calgary. NHL match prediction and bets
Command Analysis
Current form
After a successful completion of the away series and a crushing victory over Boston (5:1), Columbus returned to its home arena, where it continued to please fans with successful results. In the first match, the team met with Tampa Bay and snatched victory in overtime with a score of 7:6. The attack line showed a great game, realizing almost all of its moments in the attack, but the most productive was defenseman Werenski, who scored twice and also gave three assists. Then the "jackets" fought with an even more powerful competitor in the person of Carolina and this time also won outside of regulation time (5:4 SO).
It seemed that the team had gained excellent form and would continue to please fans with successful performances, but this did not happen. In the match with Montreal, they had to suffer an offensive defeat in overtime (3:4), thereby interrupting their winning streak, which reached three matches. This time, Merzlikin was far from the most reliable, reflecting only 82% of the shots. It is worth noting that the Canadiens remain one of the main outsiders in the league. Still, thanks to the points scored, Columbus was able to rise to 12th place in the Eastern Conference table, and the gap from the playoff zone was reduced to three points.
Disqualifications and injuries
Columbus continues to have problems with its roster. Defenseman Gudbransson and forwards Sillinger and Jenner are in the team infirmary.
Interesting trends for betting
- On average, Columbus concedes 3.6 goals per game.
The Blue Jackets' main problem remains their terrible defense, which allows opponents to realize their full offensive potential.
- The Blazers converted just 17% of their power play attempts.
The team has problems with the extra player on the court.
Current form
Calgary had a great four-game home series, winning all of them. The only games they had problems with were the Islanders and Minnesota, but they managed to snatch victories in shootouts twice, 2-1 and 4-3, respectively. The Flames were much better in the rest of their games, beating the Rangers (3-2) and Nashville (2-0).
The team then went on the road, where, unfortunately for the fans, they were unable to continue showing the same successful results. In the very first match against Ottawa, there were problems in defense, which led to a 3:4 defeat. Goalkeeper Wolf could not cope with a large number of shots, reflecting only 84% of them. The attacking line tried its best to compensate for the lapses in defense, but were very often sent off, which did not allow them to earn more points. Away from Detroit, the Huskies were much closer to success, as they realized the most important majority at the very end of the meeting, scoring a goal just three minutes before the final whistle, which allowed them to tie the score and transfer the game to overtime. However, in extra time they had to lose again (1:2). Still, due to a long series of successful performances, the club was able to rise to fourth place in the Western Conference table, having 28 points.
Disqualifications and injuries
One of the club main newcomers, Manta, was never able to recover from his injury and is still in the infirmary.
Interesting trends for betting
- Calgary averages 2.69 goals per game
The Flames' offensive line hasn't been at its best in every game this season.
- The "Lights" have already conceded 19 goals while shorthanded
It is also worth noting the club great difficulties when playing with a man down, which opponents regularly take advantage of.
Trends
Bet First Goal: Columbus
In three of the four head-to-head games, Columbus opened the scoring
2.00Goal in each period bet - yes
In four out of five head-to-head matches, the teams scored a goal in each period
1.50Tip and bets
Calgary has been showing terrible results in away games this season, where they have hardly scored any points. The club away losing streak has already reached five games, and it is unlikely to be interrupted in the upcoming match. Columbus, in general, has gained good form, thanks to which they have been consistently earning points and are quite capable of giving a worthy rebuff to the Flames. It is also worth paying attention to face-to-face meetings, in which the "jackets" often win. Despite these factors, bookmakers give very high odds for the home team, which we suggest taking advantage of.
Our prediction is a Columbus victory with a handicap of (0) at 2.12
Bet on total
Columbus will try to play open, attacking hockey again, as this is the only way they can achieve success. The Jackets' defensive line is far from being the most reliable, which means they have to rely only on their own performance. So there is an excellent opportunity to bet on the total over.
Forecast - total over six goals for 1.84
Bet on the outcome of the first period
In the first period, Columbus has a good chance to give a worthy rebuff to Calgary, taking advantage of the home advantage. Indeed, the Flames look weak on the road, which the Jackets will try to take advantage of.
Prediction - Columbus will not lose in the first period for 1.50
