Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction: Should We Expect Goals?

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction: Should We Expect Goals?

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Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: Thursday, January 20

Game Time: 7:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: ESPN+

Puck Line: Flyers -1 (+163)

Click Here for Flyers vs Blue Jackets Odds

Flyers vs. Blue Jackets Over/Under Movement

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction

I predict early bettors will at least walk away with some solid CLV on this play, as this total will likely move up to 6.5. Recently, both teams have been playing high-scoring games. Both Blue Jackets and Flyers games played on the road and at home, respectively, averaged over six total goals. A deeper analysis of this game further suggests that the over is by far the best bet for this Eastern Conference matchup.

This is a play where waiting until for starting goalie confirmation will prove to be a disadvantage. Neither Philadelphia nor Columbus has a goaltender that would threaten the chances of the over. the Flyers’ probable starter is Carter Hart. This season, he has a 3.09 GAA at home and has allowed at least three GA in five consecutive starts. Backup, Martin Jones, boasts a 4.15 home GAA. The Blue Jackets are also between two below-average options, Joonas Korpisalo (3.65 road GAA) and Elvis Merzlikins (4.49 road GAA). In 11 of his 13 starts this season, Korpisalo has given up at least three goals, and the total reached a minimum of six. Similarly, a struggling Merzlikins has seen 11 of his last 12 starts end with six or more goals. 

Flyer's home games are averaging 6.78 goals; nine of the last 11 games have totaled at least six. Blue Jackets road games are averaging 7.06 goals, and 12 of their last 14 games have gone over six. Both teams are doing their best to compensate for what they lack in goaltending with offense, so it would only make sense to take the over when they face each other. Expect both goalies’ struggles to continue tonight as we should see a fast-paced and high-scoring game. 

Flyers vs. Blue Jackets Pick

• Over 6 (-115) (Bet $115 to Win $100)