Blue Jackets/Hurricanes

Friday’s match-up pits the NHL’s 2nd rated defense (‘Canes) against the 31st (Blue Jackets). Columbus’s goalie situation is such that 20 year old Jet Greaves, fresh from the AHL, will likely start in net. The Blue Jackets have won 7 of 8, scoring an average of 4.5 goals a game. They won convincingly on Thursday night against the Panthers, but are on a back to back on Friday. Columbus is under .500 on the road.

The Hurricanes have won three straight, are dominant on home ice, healthy, and well rested. Defensively, they have given up a steady diet of 3 goals in 5 straight games. I like Carolina in this situation, but so do the odds-makers. Looking at the total, we have seen some remarkably high numbers in Blue Jackets games, finishing between 7 and 11 goals in their last five games. Losing D-man Werenski and playing a raw rookie in net won’t help. The Canes can put the puck in the net. This one could get wild. Take the Over..