Free Pick: Hurricanes vs. Blue Jackets Odds
Looking for Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets free NHL predictions? NHL betting sees the Hurricanes taking on the Blue Jackets on 3/17 at Nationwide Arena, in Columbus. This free NHL pick is based on matchup analysis and documented handicapping data tracked by CappersPicks since 2004, with a focus on identifying the strongest betting angle for this Hurricanes Blue Jackets matchup.
2026 NHL Handicapping – Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets
(42-18) Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (34-21)
Date: Mar 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
NHL Moneyline Odds: Hurricanes -133 | Blue Jackets +114 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NHL Puck Line Betting Odds: Hurricanes -1.5 | Blue Jackets +1.5
NHL Hockey Gambling Total: O/U: 6.5
Here’s why I’m backing an OVER bet below in my Hurricanes Blue Jackets free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
- Live Betting Odds for today’s Hurricanes vs. Blue Jackets game!
- Want more hockey predictions like this Hurricanes Blue Jackets play? Check out our free NHL AI Picks for today!
- View our Updated Sportsbook Bonuses for today!
Hurricanes vs. Blue Jackets Gameday
The Carolina Hurricanes head into Nationwide Arena to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in this NHL regular season matchup. Carolina enters with a strong 42-18-6 record, sitting at the top of both their division and conference. Columbus, meanwhile, holds a solid 34-21-11 record, placing them fourth in the same division and still very much in the mix.
Carolina has consistently controlled this matchup in recent seasons, but Columbus has shown enough offensive depth to make this one competitive.
Under head coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Hurricanes have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. They’ve dominated divisional play with a 13-4 record and have already recorded three shutouts this season. That structure has translated into strong recent performances, including a convincing win over the Tampa Bay Lightning where they controlled play and outshot their opponent by a wide margin.
Columbus, led by Rick Bowness, continues to look for more consistency within the division where they currently sit at 8-11. The Blue Jackets are coming off a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, showing they can lock things down defensively when needed. At the same time, they’ve had issues closing tight games, including a narrow loss to the Florida Panthers.
Historically, this matchup has leaned heavily toward Carolina. The Hurricanes have won every meeting against Columbus over the past two seasons, including their most recent matchup earlier this year.
With that trend in mind, this game sets up as another important test for a Blue Jackets team trying to flip the script at home.
Expert NHL Hockey Picks
Checking out the rest of tonight’s NHL action? Take a look at the featured premium picks from CappersPicks handicappers, including moneylines, puck lines, totals, and other hockey betting plays.
ProSportsPicks
**#1 NHL CAPPER IN 2025/2026!!!** - PSP'S KINGS vs AVS ANNIHILATOR
$49.00
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Odds & Last 5
The odds for this matchup slightly favor the Carolina Hurricanes, who come in with a MoneyLine of -133. Columbus sits at +114, reflecting their role as the underdog despite playing on home ice. The puck line follows a similar pattern, with Carolina at -1.5 (+179) and Columbus at +1.5 (-220).
Carolina’s recent form has been strong, highlighted by their 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, they dominated possession and outshot Tampa Bay 35-19, showing how effective their offensive pressure can be when they’re controlling the pace.
Columbus also picked up a recent win, edging the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 in a game where defense played a major role. That performance showed the Blue Jackets can compete in lower-scoring matchups when they limit mistakes.
Looking at recent head-to-head history, the Hurricanes have had the clear advantage. They outscored Columbus by three goals in their last meeting this season and have swept the series over the past two years. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the under slightly favored at -115, suggesting a potentially controlled pace despite both teams having scoring ability.
We want to hear from you below! Comments are welcome! Give us your picks for this Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets NHL matchup.
Blue Jackets Stats
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been a solid offensive team this season, ranking 13th in goals with 207 and 14th in assists with 350. Their ability to generate pressure is reflected in their 7th-ranked 1975 shots on goal, which shows they consistently create opportunities.
Defensively, Columbus has been steady, allowing 195 goals which ranks 14th in the league. While they haven’t recorded a shutout this season, their goaltending has held up well overall. Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves have both seen action, with Greaves handling a heavy workload and posting 1085 saves.
Individually, Zach Werenski continues to lead the way with 68 points, including 20 goals and 48 assists. Kirill Marchenko has also been productive with 25 goals and 32 assists, while Adam Fantilli adds another layer of scoring depth with 19 goals and 28 assists.
Recently, the Blue Jackets have had mixed results. They picked up a win over Philadelphia but dropped close games to Florida and Los Angeles. Even with those losses, their offensive balance and steady defensive play keep them competitive in most matchups.
YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR TOP NHL CAPPERS! (All Under 1 Roof)
Hurricanes Stats
The Carolina Hurricanes continue to be one of the more aggressive offensive teams in the league. They rank 5th in goals with 229 and 11th in assists with 375, while their 2129 shots on goal rank 2nd overall. That high-volume shooting approach has been a key part of their success.
Their power play has also contributed, with 44 power play goals ranking 7th in the NHL. However, Carolina’s style leans more toward speed and puck movement rather than physical play, as reflected by their lower rankings in hits and blocks.
Defensively, the Hurricanes have allowed 178 goals this season, which ranks 5th in the league. While they don’t block as many shots as other teams, they rely on puck control and limiting high-quality chances.
Frederik Andersen has been solid in net, making 582 saves in 27 appearances. Even without recording a shutout, his consistency has helped stabilize the back end.
Recent results for Carolina include a win over Tampa Bay and a loss to St. Louis. Players like Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho continue to drive the offense, and their ability to create scoring chances makes Carolina a difficult matchup on any given night.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets bottom line: Carolina’s recent dominance in this matchup and overall consistency make them the safer side, but Columbus has enough offensive firepower to keep this game close if they can control the pace.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey Betting Trends
- Columbus has gone 2-3 in their last five games this season.
- Carolina has a 3-2 record over their last five games this season.
- Also, the Blue Jackets have scored at least 4 goals in 3 of their last 5 games.
- In contrast, the Hurricanes have scored at least 4 goals in 4 of their last 5 games.
- Additionally, Columbus has allowed 5 goals in 2 of their last 5 games.
- Carolina has allowed 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 5 games.
Hurricanes Blue Jackets Free Pick: Over 6.5
Here is my Hurricanes Blue Jackets free pick: Columbus has shown offensive upside recently, hitting the four-goal mark in three of its last five games.
That scoring ability keeps them dangerous in open matchups.
The Blue Jackets generate chances off quick transitions and sustained offensive pressure. When they find rhythm, totals can climb quickly.
Carolina has also been producing offense at a high level, scoring four or more goals in four of its last five games. Their attack remains aggressive.
Because both teams have also shown defensive vulnerabilities, scoring opportunities should appear frequently.
This matchup sets up like a game with chances on both sides.
Columbus has allowed five goals in multiple recent games, highlighting defensive inconsistency. That opens the door for opponents.
The Hurricanes have also given up four or more goals several times during this stretch. Defensive structure has loosened.
When both teams trade chances rather than control pace, totals tend to rise quickly.
Overall a total of 6.5 looks reachable given the recent trends. I’m backing the over. Let it fly.
Today’s NHL Free Pick
Best Sportsbooks For Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Gambling Today!
- 50% Reload Bonuses
- Daily Player Promos
- Live Dealer Casino
- Crypto Deposit Bonuses
- Same-Game Parlays
- Sports + Casino + Poker
- Same-Game Parlays
- Overnight Lines
- Progressive Jackpots
- Reduced-Juice Lines
- 7% Racebook Rebate
- 100% Crypto Bonus
- VIP Cash Rewards
- Live Betting & Props
- High Betting Limits
NHL Betting Tweet Of The Day
LUCKY US, IT’S GAME DAY! 🍀
📺 Watch LIVE on @FanDuelSN_CBUS
🎧 Listen live: @971thefan & the CBJ App
📝 https://t.co/95H22nscws
⏰ 7:00 PMCBJ x @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/rioy8salS0
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 17, 2026
Also, if you’re looking for more NHL picks like Carolina Hurricanes vs. Columbus Blue Jackets matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free NHL plays on the blog all season long. In fact, you can check out our NHL experts for guaranteed premium & free NHL hockey picks!
Lastly, register here for a FREE NHL Betting Account Now for daily free picks & more special offers! Are you tailing this Hurricanes Blue Jackets free pick today?
