https://twitter.com/user/status/1493637939066146818
Columbus Lines and news
It can't get any worse — right?
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames will meet Tuesday night from the Scotiabank Saddledome in Alberta, 20 days after the Blue Jackets allowed a franchise-worst 62 shots on goal to the Flames in an embarrassing 6-0 loss.
The Flames are the best team in the province of Alberta — and the other team is the one with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Calgary could be a dark horse Stanley Cup pick, but if they keep playing the way they have, they won't be a dark horse for long.
WHY WATCH?
WELCOME TO CALGARY, TOFF
The newest member of the Flames, Tyler Toffoli, arrived in the city late Monday night just hours after being traded from the Montreal Canadiens. But there was no official word if he’d draw in on Tuesday against the Blue Jackets. Chances are, however, that if Toffoli is feeling good and ready to go, he’ll play. With the Canadiens on Saturday, the 29-year-old right winger had seven shots on net in 18:55 of ice time versus Columbus. The next question? Where will he slot into the lineup?
POINTS LEADERS
FLAMES
Johnny Gaudreau — 45 GP, 19 G, 39 A, 58 PTS, +36
Matthew Tkachuk — 45 GP, 21 G, 29 A, 50 PTS, +30
Elias Lindholm — 45 GP, 18 G, 22 A, 40 PTS, +34
BLUE JACKETS
Boone Jenner — 46 GP, 19 G, 14 A, 33 PTS, -10
Jakub Voracek — 44 GP, 2 G, 30 A, 32 PTS, -6
Oliver Bjorkstrand — 44 GP, 14 G, 17 A, 31 PTS, -26
SPECIAL TEAMS
FLAMES: PP — 21.4% (T12th); PK — 84.5% (3rd)
BLUE JACKETS: PP — 17.2% (23rd); PK — 80.2% (15th)
Odds
Flames Clicking on Offense
The Flames are one of the hottest teams in hockey right now (pun intended). Calgary has won six-straight contests and eight of its last nine.
This surge up the Pacific standings has been ignited by the offense, as it has put up four or more goals in seven of those eight victories. Over those eight wins, Calgary is averaging 4.75 goals per game.
The offense is clicking on all cylinders right now, and it’s positive regression that has been due to the team given its performance all season long. Calgary ranks fourth in the league this season in 5-on-5 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF).
The Flames this week also acquired forward Tyler Toffoli from the Montreal Canadiens. While It is uncertain if he will suit up against Columbus, that could be an added bonus for Calgary’s chances as he adds another scoring boost to the Flames’ middle-six.
Blue Jackets vs. Flames Pick
I do not see the Flames’ offense slowing down anytime soon. Not only did they beat Columbus 6-0 a few weeks ago, but they outshot them at almost a 3:1 rate.
While I do not anticipate them to absolutely manhandle Columbus again, I think Calgary can easily reach four or more goals for the sixth straight game.
Pick: Calgary Flames TT o3.5 (-140) | Play up to (-145)
