Carolina vs Columbus Prediction 29 October 2026
🔊 Two wins in a row might be a reason for optimism, but the Columbus Blue Jackets nearly spoiled their own momentum in Philadelphia, squandering a three-goal lead. The Carolina Hurricanes are in a different place entirely: they have racked up ten wins in their last 14 games and sit atop the division. Not even Boston could put the brakes on the Hurricanes, despite pushing them to the wire. Now, the Blue Jackets will have to look for cracks in the defense of a team that allows opponents an average of just 22.4 shots per game.
Only one rematch took place.
📊 Columbus Blue Jackets faced Carolina Hurricanes four times last season, managing just one win. Their most recent encounter ended in a resounding defeat (1-5). That night was particularly memorable for the Hurricanes, as the victory secured their playoff berth. Carolina then went on to reach the finals and ultimately lifted the Stanley Cup.
Head-to-head statistics Carolina - Columbus

They don't allow their opponents to take shots.
Carolina have racked up ten wins in 14 games, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division with 22 points. Rod Brind’Amour’s side boasts a +19 goal differential, and their power play is clicking at a 25.5% success rate. But what truly sets the Hurricanes apart is their play without the puck. On average, opponents manage just 22.4 shots per game against them, while Carolina outshoots their rivals by nearly seven attempts per contest. It’s no surprise the Hurricanes have come out on top in their last two outings.
Against Boston, it was Sebastian Aho’s goal midway through the third period that proved decisive. The teams had traded goals in the opening frame, and Carolina outshot the Bruins 8-2 in the second but couldn’t pull ahead. After Aho’s tally, the hosts had to kill off two penalties, yet they held on for a 2-1 victory. Pyotr Kochetkov turned aside 14 of 15 shots, earning his eighth consecutive win to start the season-matching Frederik Andersen’s club record.
Match Results: Carolina Hurricanes

A three-goal lead doesn’t guarantee victory.
Columbus Blue Jackets currently sit seventh in the division, having collected ten points from ten games. With five wins and five losses, the Jackets have yet to climb any higher in the standings. Their penalty kill remains a particular concern, as opponents convert nearly one out of every three power plays. On the bright side, following their victory over Vegas, Columbus managed to string together back-to-back wins for the first time this season. However, that second win nearly slipped through their fingers.
In Philadelphia, Columbus struck three times in under three minutes during the opening period, with Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Denton Mateychuk all finding the net. It looked as though the visitors were cruising toward a comfortable victory, but they soon surrendered all momentum. Over the final two periods, Philadelphia outshot them 28-6 and managed to tie the game with just 11 seconds left in regulation. Johnson ultimately rescued the Blue Jackets in overtime, completing his brace for a 4-3 win. Cam Talbot stopped 28 shots, while head coach Rick Bowness admitted postgame that his team eased off far too early.
Match Results: Columbus Blue Jackets
First Period Prediction
Carolina Hurricanes have scored fewer than 1.5 goals in the opening period in 8 of their last 9 NHL games. Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets are conceding an average of just 0.33 goals in the first period on the road. The smart play here is Carolina Hurricanes under 1.5 goals in the first period at odds of 1.38.
Total Goals Prediction
On home ice, the Carolina Hurricanes have scored fewer than 4.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 NHL games. Their average output in those recent home contests stands at 4.33 goals-just below our chosen threshold. For this matchup, we’re backing the Carolina Hurricanes individual total under 4.5 goals at odds of 1.36.
High-Risk Bet
The opening periods of Carolina Hurricanes' last six games have all ended in a draw. Carolina haven't won the first period in eight straight outings, and they've avoided defeat in the opening frame in nine of their last ten. Backing a draw in the first period at odds of 2.49 looks like a solid option.
Reliable Bet
Columbus Blue Jackets have scored under 3.5 goals in 11 of their last 12 NHL road games. Carolina Hurricanes are conceding an average of just 1.67 goals in recent home fixtures. The smart play here is to back Columbus Blue Jackets’ individual total under 3.5 goals at odds of 1.24.
*Odds are approximate and may vary across different bookmakers.