Columbus Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions November 29th 2024

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames November 29th 2024

Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Flames and Blue Jackets. The game is starting at 3:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Get ready to place your bets! The Flames come into this non-conference matchup favored by -1.5 goals. The over/under line currently sits at 6.5 goals.

Calgary vs. Columbus Key Information

Calgary fell to 12-8-4 after a 4-2 road loss to the Oilers. The Flames trailed 2-0 early, giving up Edmonton’s first goal just 20 seconds into the game. Calgary managed to tie it up, but the Oilers pulled ahead with a goal at 10:10 in the third period, adding an empty-netter to seal the win.

The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score reached only 6. Calgary, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover. They scored their first goal at 15:27 in the second period, and their second at 15:32 in the third.

Calgary’s offense generated 31 shots on goal in their 4-2 loss to Edmonton, but they only found the net twice. Yegor Sharangovich scored his first goal of the season, while Anthony Mantha added his fourth, with Mantha’s goal coming on a power play in the second period.

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The Flames had 22 giveaways and were held scoreless in the first period before Mantha’s goal at 15:27 in the second. Sharangovich tied the game 2-2 with a goal at 15:32 in the third period. Calgary recorded three assists in the contest.

Defensively, the Flames gave up the first two goals of the game, with both coming in the first period. They also allowed two more in the third, including the game-winner at the 9:50 mark and an empty-netter with just three seconds left. Dan Vladar made 27 saves with a 90% save percentage.

Columbus fell to 9-10-3 after a 7-2 loss to the Capitals. The Blue Jackets were underdogs on the puck line, and the total of 9 goals surpassed the pre-game line of 6.5.

Defensive struggles were evident as Columbus allowed five goals in the first period. Damon Severson and Kevin Labanc each scored for the Blue Jackets, but the defense couldn’t contain Washington’s offense.

Columbus took 36 shots on goal but managed only two in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson netted his fourth goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his second. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period and found the net twice in the second, with the first goal coming 49 seconds into the period.

Sean Monahan picked up his fifth assist of the season on Labanc’s goal, and Zach Aston-Reese recorded his second assist. Columbus had 13 giveaways in the game.

Columbus’ defense struggled early, giving up 5 goals in the first period. They allowed another in the second and one more in the third, leading to a 7-2 loss to the Capitals. Goalie Daniil Tarasov made 15 saves with a 68.2% save percentage.

When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Blue Jackets to come out with a win against the Flames while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -104, I’m placing my bet on the Blue Jackets to win outright.

If you’re looking to get a bet down on this matchup, we foresee the Blue Jackets winning the underdog. However, if you’re not as confident in the Blue Jackets straight-up, we’d still recommend placing a bet on them to cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

Flames and Blue Jackets Set for Emotional Matchup Honoring Johnny Gaudreau

When the Calgary Flames visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday afternoon, the game will carry a weight far beyond the standings. Both teams will play with heavy hearts, as it will be their first meeting since the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau in August. Gaudreau, an NHL star who spent most of his career with Calgary before signing with Columbus, left an indelible mark on both franchises and the hockey community at large.

Gaudreau’s Legacy Looms Large

The emotions will be palpable for Flames players, many of whom shared close friendships with Gaudreau. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson, one of Gaudreau’s closest teammates in Calgary, acknowledged the challenge of staying focused in such a poignant setting.
“To go there will be hard,” Andersson said. “Seeing the banner, that kind of stuff will be tough. There are probably going to be a lot of emotions, and rightfully so.”

Gaudreau’s name and No. 13 are immortalized in Columbus, and the Flames are preparing for a similarly heartfelt tribute during their home game against the Blue Jackets next Tuesday, where Gaudreau’s family is expected to attend.

Blue Jackets Rallying Behind Sean Monahan

Columbus center Sean Monahan, a former Flame himself, joined the Blue Jackets this season with hopes of reuniting on the ice with Gaudreau. Though that reunion didn’t happen, Monahan has provided invaluable leadership, contributing 20 points in 21 games and tying for second on the team in scoring.

“He’s the consummate pro,” Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said of Monahan. “He’s a stabilizing figure on the ice and in our locker room.”

Werenski Leading the Charge

Defenseman Zach Werenski has been pivotal during Columbus’ recent stretch, earning NHL First Star of the Week honors while extending his point streak to six games. Werenski logged a goal and an assist in the Blue Jackets’ 4-3 overtime loss to Montreal on Wednesday, stepping up as a leader in the absence of injured captain Boone Jenner (shoulder) and center Cole Sillinger (upper-body injury).

“I feel like I can get a pulse on the room, what needs to be said in certain situations, and I’ve enjoyed it,” Werenski said.

Flames Look to Regain Momentum

The Flames enter the matchup with a 3-4-4 road record after an overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, Calgary’s power play has been surging, with six goals in the past five games. Connor Zary scored the late equalizer on the man advantage against Detroit, while Yegor Sharangovich remains a consistent scoring threat with points in four straight games.

“There’s things that make our team a good hockey team,” Flames coach Ryan Huska said. “If those things are present, it gives us a chance to win. It doesn’t guarantee wins, but we feel we’re going to be in games, and now our power play can help us out and win us close games.”

Head-to-Head and Recent Trends

• Last Season’s Matchups: Columbus swept the series, winning both games against Calgary.
• Home and Away Records: The Blue Jackets are just 2-6-2 at home, while the Flames are seeking consistency with a 3-4-4 record on the road.
• Key Players to Watch:
  • Calgary: Connor Zary (four-game point streak), Yegor Sharangovich (three goals in last four games)
  • Columbus: Sean Monahan (seven points in last three games), Zach Werenski (team-leading 22 points)

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What’s at Stake

Both teams are grappling with inconsistency and need a win to find some momentum. However, the emotional weight of honoring Johnny Gaudreau will overshadow any standings implications. This game represents a chance for players, coaches, and fans to reflect on Gaudreau’s incredible legacy while competing in the sport he loved.

Will the Flames channel their emotions into a strong performance, or can the Blue Jackets rally behind their home crowd and recent individual surges? Either way, this matchup promises to be a heartfelt and memorable affair.