Welcome to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Today we’re looking at the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Calgary Flames. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions every day there’s hockey this 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets (11-9-3) vs Calgary Flames (12-9-4)
Time: 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: ESPN+, BSOH, SN360, SNW
Blue Jackets Building Momentum
The season for the Columbus Blue Jackets got off to an unimaginable start. They lost star forward Johnny Gaudreau to a tragic death before the start of the season. The loss rocked the entire hockey community. The Blue Jackets community felt the pain of the loss both on and off the ice. Columbus finished last place in the Eastern Conference the season prior and would be counting on Gaudreau to help them improve. Columbus didn’t get off to the strongest start to the season and has already endured a six-game losing streak this season. The team was probably never destined for a playoff picture but with high draft picks like Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and Kent Johnson all getting older the Blue Jackets were expected to take a step forward.
Columbus has been playing better hockey lately, as the Flames are now aware. Columbus has won four of their last five games and are being led by star defenceman Zach Werenski, veteran addition Sean Monahan, and youngster Kirill Marchenko. The Blue Jackets will look to continue their solid play as they head into Calgary.
Flames Look To Snap Skid
The Calgary Flames were one of the best surprises in the league through the first quarter. Heading into year two of a rebuild, most expected them to be near the bottom of the league. However, the Flames currently sit in the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Flames have managed to win games on the back of strong goaltending from Dustin Wolf and Daniel Vladar. Calgary doesn’t have the top-end skill to score their way to victory and have to rely on playing strong defensive hockey and capitalizing on their chances when they come.
The Flames are coming home from a terrible road trip where they lost all four games. Their last two contests against Pittsburgh and Columbus were some of their worst performances of the year. The Flames are being led offensively by a veteran core featuring Nazem Kadri, Rasmus Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, and Jonathan Huberdeau. They’ve seen some steps from youngsters Matthew Coronato and Connor Zary this season but will need the whole group to step up and find some scoring touch. The Flames have gone 22 straight games without scoring more than three goals. Calgary has been better this season on home ice and will hope to bounce back with a strong effort tonight.
NHL Predictions Blue Jackets and Flames
This game should be an emotional one as Johnny Gaudreau’s parents are expected to be in attendance. Gaudreau played his first 9 NHL seasons in Calgary becoming a fan favourite before signing in Columbus. There will be a tribute to Gaudreau at this game and the building will be filled with emotion.
With the energy in the building expect both teams to play hard for their former teammate. This game should be closer than what we saw last Friday. Calgary will need to keep things tight and play a shutdown style to get back to their winning ways. Columbus is playing solid hockey, but expect Calgary to outlast the Blue Jackets and win on an emotional night.
Prediction: Flames win 3-2
Prop Bets of The Night
BET365 is aligned with our pick for Calgary to win and they have a goal total set at 6.5 which is higher than we expect. Without much value on the team betting side, we’ll look at some player props instead.
On the Flames side, Rasmus Andersson has been the most consistent offensive player for the Flames. We like him to pick up over 0.5 assists at +245.
On the Blue Jackets side, look for Sean Monahan to go over 0.5 points in his return to Calgary at +176.
Please play responsibly, and check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Main Photo: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Dec. 3 Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.