Calgary Flames vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: NHL Prediction for Nov. 5

The Calgary Flames host the Columbus Blue Jackets this Wednesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames enter the game as slight home favorites despite their poor record.

Columbus arrives with significant momentum, having won six of their last eight contests. This sets up a critical mid-week matchup with clear implications for both clubs.

Flames Struggle to Find Consistent Form

Calgary is coming off a narrow 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. That win does little to mask their deep early-season troubles. The team sits in last place league-wide with a 3-9-2 record.

Their offense has been the league’s least productive, scoring a meager 30 goals in 14 games. Only Nazem Kadri has reached double-digit points. Goaltender Dustin Wolf has also struggled, posting below-average save and goals-against metrics. According to data from Reuters, the team ranks near the bottom in both power play efficiency and penalty minutes.

Blue Jackets’ Youth Movement Fuels Turnaround

Columbus presents a stark contrast with its recent successful run. Their offense is now ranked in the middle of the pack. Young stars Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov are leading the charge in scoring.

The goaltending duo of Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins has been a revelation. Both rank among the league’s top netminders in key advanced statistical categories. This strong play in the crease has compensated for a defense that allows a high volume of scoring chances.

The team’s even-strength play has been particularly impressive. However, their special teams remain a major weakness, with both the power play and penalty kill ranking in the bottom third of the NHL.

The surging Columbus Blue Jackets are poised to extend their strong run against a struggling Flames squad. Our prediction favors the Blue Jackets to clinch a road victory based on their superior form and goaltending.

Info at your fingertips

What is the betting line for the Flames vs. Blue Jackets game?

The Calgary Flames are slight -118 moneyline favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game’s total over/under is set at 6.5 goals.

How have the Columbus Blue Jackets performed recently?

Columbus has found its form, winning six of its last eight games. This strong stretch has moved them up the standings after a slow start to the season.

Who is the leading scorer for the Calgary Flames?

Nazem Kadri is the only Flames player to have reached double-digit points so far. The team’s offense has struggled immensely, scoring a league-low 30 goals.

Why is Columbus’s goaltending considered a strength?

Both Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins rank inside the top 10 league-wide in goals saved above expected. Their excellent play has been fundamental to the team’s success.

What is the historical head-to-head record between these teams?

The Blue Jackets have had the recent advantage, winning four of the past six meetings against the Flames. This historical trend adds context to the current matchup.