Columbus Blue Jackets at Carolina Hurricanes 10/12/22 - NHL Picks & Predictions

On Wednesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Carolina Hurricanes to play the opening game of the NHL regular season for both. Columbus finished the preseason 4-4 ending with a 4-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. In one preseason game versus Carolina, Columbus was defeated by the Hurricanes 8-1. The biggest move during the offseason for Columbus was the signing of Johnny Gaudreau, who gives the Blue Jackets instant offense.

Last season Gaudreau had 115 points while playing for the Calgary Flames and has been an All-Star six times. Gaudreau will join Patrik Laine, which gives Columbus a very formidable one two punch on attack. Erik Gudbranson completes a line for Columbus with Guadreau and Laine that makes the Blue Jackets a legitimate contender in the Metropolitan Division. 

Carolina finished its preseason schedule at 4-1, winning each of the first four before losing the final, 4-2 to the Buffalo Sabres. Last season Carolina finished first in the Metropolitan Division at 54-20-8 and were eliminated from the playoffs during the second round by the New York Rangers. The biggest acquisition during the offseason was Brent Burns who is expected to join Jaccob Slavin to become Carolina's top pair on defense.

Carolina had one of the best goalie tandems in hockey last season with Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta. Andersen was 35-14-3 and finished with a 2.17 goals-against average which was second-best in the NHL and was third best in save percentage at .922. Carolina gave up the fewest goals in the NHL last season with 200. Youngster Jesperi Kotkaniemi signed an extended contract and is expected to have a breakout season for the Hurricanes.