Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers December 20 Betting Preview

Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Dallas Stars 2-1, which was ostensibly a 1-0 loss with two minutes to go in the game. However, the Blue Jackets did exactly what we've wanted all season: they played competitive hockey to the final buzzer. Nonetheless, the Blue Jackets are now riding a four-game losing streak and are heading to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Preview

After Monday night's loss, the Blue Jackets now have a 10-19-2 record. In the Blue Jackets' four-game losing streak, all four games have hit the under, while three games have ended with at least a 1.5-goal spread. 

Important injury note: Boone Jenner has recently been added to the injured reserve list.

The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.5 goals during this losing streak and 3.97 goals against on 35.4 shots per game.  

The powerplay is still operating at 15.3 percent (13 powerplay goals) after going 0-1 against the Stars, while the penalty killers didn't need to kill a penalty and are still operating at 75.3 percent (24 powerplay goals against).

Daniil Tarasov (2-6-1, 3.03 GAA) was great against the Stars, and with the Blue Jackets playing on back-to-back nights, we expect Big Elvis back in the net unless there is an injury. Elvis Merzlikins has a 4-8-0 record, a 4.68 goals-against average, and a .864 save percentage.

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Philadelphia Flyers Preview

The Philadelphia Flyers enter Tuesday's matchup with a 10-15-7 record and a variety of issues of their own. The Flyers have lost four of the last five games, with two games hitting the over of 6.5 goals, while two games ended in a 1.5-goal spread. 

The Flyers are averaging 2.41 goals per game on 29.3 shots while giving up 3.28 goals on 32.1 shots per game. The Flyers' powerplay is slightly better than CBJ's, converting at 15.5 percent (15 powerplay goals), while the penalty kill is ranked lower than the Blue Jackets, operating at 75.3 percent (24 powerplay goals against).

Carter Hart (9-9-6, 2.82 GAA) is the Flyers' number–one goalie and has played the last two games and eight of the last nine games. With Toronto as the Flyers' next matchup, there is a chance that Felix Sandstrom (1-6-1, 3.37 GAA) will start for Philly.  

Betting Odds and Predictions

The Blue Jackets are listed at (+150) on the moneyline, while the Philadelphia Flyers are listed at (-186). 

The Flyers are listed at -1.5 on the puck line spread with (+135) odds. The Blue Jackets are listed at +1.5 at (-164) odds. Philly has a 19-13 record against the spread, while Columbus has a 14-17 against the spread record.

The Blue Jackets have won the first two meetings between these two teams. Both previous matchups have hit the over, while the first matchup ended in a 5-2 score. Is a game against the Flyers a remedy for CBJ's losing streak and scoring issues?

Yes. We're taking the Columbus Blue Jackets to win on the moneyline (+150).