Carolina Hurricanes at Columbus Blue Jackets Preview

Carolina has now lost three straight games, with the last two coming against the Blue Jackets. The Hurricanes are still in third place in the Central Division with 43 points, but this team needs to get back on track.

Columbus has now moved into a playoff position in the Central Division with 33 points, but this team still has work to do. The Blue Jackets have gone just 3-4 in their last seven games, but they have a chance to build some momentum on home ice. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets are the underdogs at +134 in this matchup with Carolina.

Carolina Can Score

The Carolina Hurricanes are scoring 3.2 goals per game this season, but that offense has stalled out against the Blue Jackets. The Hurricanes feature a power-play unit that has converted 31 percent of their chances, but Columbus has played discipline hockey against them.

Sebastian Aho leads the Hurricanes with 13 goals and 28 assists, and the Blue Jackets need to keep track of him on Monday night. Look for the Hurricanes to try to speed up the tempo in this game to create more scoring opportunities. 

The Hurricanes continue to get solid play in net, and that has not been a reason for their current three-game losing streak. Carolina wants to win games with their explosive attack, but they are capable of shutting down the Blue Jackets as well. 

Blue Jackets Need Better Special Team Play

If the Blue Jackets could find a way to be better on special teams, then they will stay in the playoff race in the Central Division. Columbus has converted on just 15 percent of their power-play attempts and is killing off just 73 percent of their penalties.

Oliver Bjorkstrand scored the game-winning goal in shootout fashion on Saturday, and he has been the best offensive player for the Blue Jackets this season. He leads the team with 11 goals, 16 assists, and 27 points, and the Blue Jackets must find a way to give him some help. 

The Blue Jackets have given up just six total goals in the last six games, and that needs to continue moving forward. 

Columbus Clearly Has Momentum

It has been a disappointing season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they have figured something out against Carolina. Carolina is looking to snap a three-game skid, and they will likely come out with plenty of aggressiveness against the Blue Jackets.

This should be another low-scoring game, and that style of play actually suits the Blue Jackets well. Columbus continues to struggle to find enough consistent offense, but they are capable of winning another 3-2 game.

If the Blue Jackets continue to play like they have in the past two games, then they have what it takes to beat the Hurricanes for a third straight time.