The November 5, 2025 matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome presents an intriguing battle between two teams stuck in transition — each trying to build a sustainable identity amid a blend of veterans and emerging young talent. For Columbus, this season has been about laying the foundation for the future, as head coach Pascal Vincent’s group continues to show flashes of progress despite a rocky start in the standings. The Blue Jackets have leaned on the development of Adam Fantilli, whose rapid growth as a two-way center has already made him a cornerstone piece, while veterans like Johnny Gaudreau and Boone Jenner provide leadership and scoring punch. Gaudreau’s return to Calgary adds a layer of drama to this contest, as the former Flame looks to prove he can still dominate in an arena where he once starred. The Jackets’ offense has been opportunistic, generating chances off the rush through smart puck movement and aggressive forechecking, but inconsistency on the power play and breakdowns in their defensive coverage continue to plague them. Zach Werenski has stabilized the blue line with his calm presence, though the group as a whole has struggled to contain speed through the neutral zone. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has been improving steadily, showcasing more composure and rebound control after a turbulent 2024 season, and his ability to hold strong in the early minutes could be the deciding factor for Columbus on the road. Calgary, meanwhile, finds itself in a similarly uncertain phase under head coach Ryan Huska, who has been tasked with steering a roster that’s been torn down and rebuilt multiple times in recent years.

The Flames’ offense continues to search for chemistry, with Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri trying to rediscover their elite form while younger forwards like Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil inject energy into the lineup. Calgary’s scoring woes have been magnified by an inconsistent power play that often struggles to generate movement or quality shots. Defensively, Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar carry heavy minutes, but lapses in structure and poor gap management have left goaltender Jacob Markstrom facing too many high-danger chances. Markstrom, much like Merzlikins, has battled inconsistency—capable of stealing games when sharp but vulnerable when his defense collapses. The Flames’ path to victory will hinge on dictating pace early, using their size and forecheck to wear down Columbus’s defense and keeping pucks deep to neutralize the Jackets’ transition game. For Columbus, patience and counterattacks will be the key—they’ll look to frustrate Calgary with layered defense and capitalize on turnovers in the neutral zone. Both teams have played in numerous one-goal games this season, which should make this matchup tight throughout. From a betting perspective, the underdog Blue Jackets carry appeal on the puck line, given their recent trend of keeping games close behind Merzlikins’s steady play and a growing defensive commitment. Calgary’s home-ice advantage and deeper roster depth may tilt the balance slightly in their favor, but their inconsistent finishing leaves the door open for Columbus to pull off a road upset. Expect a game defined by momentum swings, goaltending battles, and stretches of high-event hockey as two struggling yet hungry teams vie to build confidence and direction in what could become a turning-point win for either side.