Overview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are in Philadelphia where they take on division rivals the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers haven’t had much luck versus the Blue Jackets over the past couple seasons winning just 1 of the last 7 meetings overall but they have won 6 of the last 8 meetings played at home in Philadelphia.
Head to Head Trends
Home team is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings.
Blue Jackets are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Philadelphia Flyers (-155)
The Philadelphia Flyers are 5th in the Metropolitan Division with 58 points 17 points out of 1st place and they are also 6 points out of the final playoff spot so they really need to start playing some good hockey if they want to be in the playoffs come spring. The Flyers have been playing some pretty good hockey over the few weeks winning 6 of their last 9 games with all 3 losses coming in overtime which means they picked up 15 of a possible 18 points over that period so if they can continue playing like that they will be in a playoff spot in no time. The Flyers are about average on offense with 2.7 goals per game which is largely helped out by their 3rd ranked power play. Defense has been the Flyers big problem this season allowing 2.9 goals but that has improved as the season has gone on.
Philadelphia Flyers Trends
Flyers are 24-11 in their last 35 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Flyers are 4-1 in their last 5 home games.
Columbus Blue Jackets (+135)
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 6th in the Metropolitan Division with 51 points 13 points out of a playoff spot so I would say they are basically done for the season. The Blue Jackets don’t have the best offense in the world averaging just 27.9 shots and 2.6 goals per game but that is still much better then their defense that is allowing 33.1 shots and 3.2 goals per game.
Columbus Blue Jackets Trends
Blue Jackets are 7-16 in their last 23 games playing on 2 days rest.
Blue Jackets are 88-210-8 in their last 306 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Conclusion
I’m going with the Philadelphia Flyers over the Blue Jackets in this one. The Blue Jackets are really just a bad team in general while the Flyers who may have had their struggles this season are playing some really good hockey right now so I think I’ll continue to ride them for a bit longer yet.
Free Pick: Philadelphia Flyers -155
