NHL Game Preview: Carolina Hurricanes at Columbus Blue Jackets with Line Combinations 12/31/2024

Carolina Hurricanes (22-13-1, 45 pts) at Columbus Blue Jackets (15-16-6, 36 pts)

Venue: Nationwide Arena
Date: Tuesday, December 31
Time: 8:00 pm ET
TV: ESPN + / FDSS / FDSO
Radio: 
Carolina Hurricanes – The Fan 99.9 FM
Columbus Blue Jackets – WBNS The Fan 97.1 FM

DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:
Carolina -1.5 ML -225
Columbus +1.5 ML +190

O/U 6.5

Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster

Carolina Hurricanes News & Notes: 

The Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 5-2 on Saturday, led by Jack Roslovic’s two goals. The win upped the Hurricanes’ record to 11-4-1 in the Metropolitan Division and 5-5-0 in their last ten games. This is the third of four meetings this season, with Carolina taking the last matchup 4-1 on December 15. 

Columbus Blue Jackets News & Notes: 

Columbus hasn’t played many divisional games this season, going 4-3-2 in nine contests. The Jackets defend Nationwide Arena well, with an 11-4-3 record at home. The Blue Jackets won the first meeting between these teams 5-4 in a shootout in Columbus. 

Carolina Hurricanes Projected Lines: 

Jarvis-Aho-Roslovic

Svechnikov-Kotkaniemi-Necas

Carrier-Staal-Martinook

Robinson-Jost-Blake

Slavin-Burns

Orlov-Chatfield

Smith-Walker

Kochetkov

Tokarski

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Columbus Blue Jackets Projected Lines: 

Voronkov-Monahan-Marchenko

van Riemsdyk-Fantilli-Aston-Reese

Johnson-Sillinger-Olivier

Pyyhtia-Kuraly-Labanc

Werenski-Fabbro

Mateychuk-Provorov

Christiansen-Severson

Merzlikins

Tarasov

Get Your Columbus Hockey Merchandise Here: 

Players To Watch:

Carolina Hurricanes

Sebastian Aho has been on a hot streak lately, with goals in five of his last seven games. The shifty center has 13 points (5g, 8a) in 12 December games and is second on the Hurricanes in scoring with 38 points in 36 games this season. 

Columbus Blue Jackets 

Kirill Marchenko had his seven-game point streak snapped in his last game, a 4-0 shutout loss to the Bruins in Boston. The 24-year-old leads the Jackets in scoring with 40 points (14g, 26a) in 37 games played. The Barnaul, Russia native, has a very impressive +17, while his team has a -10 goal differential on the season. 

Injury Report:

Carolina Hurricanes 

G Frederik Anderson – IR

D Shayne Gostisbehere – Out

C Jack Drury – IR

D Riley Stillman – IR (Non-Roster)

RW Jesper Fast – LTIR

Columbus Blue Jackets

RW Gavin Brindley – IR

D Eric Gudbranson – IR

C Boone Jenner – IR

Next game:

Carolina Hurricanes – January 2 at Florida Panthers

Columbus Blue Jackets – January 2 vs. Detroit Red Wings

Season 4. Episode 19. Mark Divver – Bruins Benders Podcast

The Benders chat with New England Hockey Journal’s Mark Divver. Also, is Nikita Zadorov a leader in the making? Are the Bruins slow, stupid, and soft? David Pastrnak needs more credit and much more! DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. Must be 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirementsEligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.

1. Season 4. Episode 19. Mark Divver 01:16:43
2. Season 4. Episode 18. Two Paths 47:05
3. Season 4. Episode 17. Stanley Cup Parade Back On? 58:45
4. Season 4. Episode 16. Gutsy Loss 46:58
5. Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate 50:19