Scoreboard	1	2	3	Odds
Calgary Flames 23-27-4-2	0	2	1	+6
Columbus Blue Jackets 29-20-6-1	2	0	3	+118

Calgary Flames vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, NHL Odds

The Flames and Blue Jackets are teams that have been expected to make changes. On Monday, Columbus made a significant change as they relieved head coach Dean Evason of his duties. Unless they turn things around with new coach Rick Bowness behind the bench, a couple of assets could be traded as well.

A few players on the Flames may not be safe from trades either. Calgary is one of a few teams that is falling further behind the playoff picture, and they have several players that could be assets for contenders. Games like this have become a bit of an audition, which gives the matchup some added intrigue.

Flames vs. Blue Jackets NHL Betting Odds

The Blue Jackets are the favourite tonight with NHL odds of -150 to the Flames’ +125 to win outright. The total is 6.0 with the over being -125 and the under being +105. The most likely players by odds to collect at least a point are all Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski at -235, Kirill Marchenko at -190 and Adam Fantilli at -165.

Both teams have dropped four of their last five games, but Columbus enters as a solid favorite largely due to their home-ice advantage and generally being the stronger team, as the Blue Jackets have been better in a tougher conference.

Calgary Flames

It has been a rollercoaster of a season for the Flames. Calgary got off to one of the worst starts of any team this season. They climbed out of it with a strong stretch in December, but have now lost four of their last five and are six points out of a playoff spot.

The Flames have been snakebitten in their last five games. Calgary has scored just one goal in three of their last four games, with the other matchup being a two-goal performance. In their last five games, their team leaders in goals and points have two and three, respectively. If Calgary is going to have a chance tonight, they need to figure out a way to generate more offense.

Columbus Blue Jackets

With preseason expectations matching last year’s solid performance, this team has underperformed. Now former coach, Dean Evason, paid the price for Columbus’ 19-19-7 record, which is last in the Eastern Conference.

Unfortunately for Columbus, the strength of the conference puts their 45 points comfortably out of a playoff spot and at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. Teams typically take it personally when a coach gets fired because ultimately their play on the ice led to that decision off the ice. I have a feeling we’ll see that tonight from the Blue Jackets with Bowness making his debut.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Flames vs. Blue Jackets?

Teams typically respond to organizational change with strong performances, at least until the adrenaline wears off. Both the Canucks and Wild played great after their blockbuster trade, the Sabres have been rolling since firing their general manager, and now the Blue Jackets should show some added urgency after the dismissal of their coach.

Columbus has points in three of their last four games at home. This is a good matchup against a Calgary team that has dropped three of their last four on the road as part of a 7-15-2 road record. The Blue Jackets are already arguably the better team, and not only is their advantage amplified with home ice, but they should be out to make a statement in this one. This has the makings of a convincing 4-1 Columbus win.