Carolina Hurricanes vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/17/26

The Hurricanes and Blue Jackets meet for the first of 3 matchups over the next 2 weeks, which is unfortunate for a Columbus team that is chasing a playoff spot. The Hurricanes won the first meeting 4-1 and are currently first in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets have recorded points in 9 consecutive games, albeit with 4 of those coming in overtime losses. While they have been rolling under new head coach Rick Bowness, there’s reason to believe their luck is starting to change.

The Blue Jackets’ offense leaves something to be desired, and they are starting to fizzle out over the last 2 games — with just a single goal in regulation time in both. The Hurricanes and Brandon Bussi went through a rough defensive stretch but rebounded over the past two games, allowing just 2 goals in each. It could be a close contest, but the Hurricanes are primed to prove that the Blue Jackets still have some growing to do before competing with the Metropolitan Division’s best. The Hurricanes haven’t been in their best form lately, alternating wins and losses over the past 7 games. It’s time for them to put together a winning streak as the playoffs approach.

Hurricanes vs Blue Jackets prediction: Carolina ML (-135) available at time of publishing. Playable at that price.