Columbus at Philadelphia

Columbus and Philadelphia met 10 days ago in a game that turned into a defensive struggle, with Columbus getting a 2-1 shootout road victory. Expect the same kind of tight checking and defensive intensity today. The Flyers are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. They are five points behind the Blue Jackets and four points behind the Red Wings for the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers have been playing outstanding defense in their last 12 games, giving up an average of 2.1 goals per game during this span. Columbus is 19-3-4 since Jan. 11. They have the NHL's highest points percentage during this span. The Blue Jackets' surge has coincided with defensive-minded Rick Bowness taking over as coach. Columbus is giving up a stingy 1.7 goals a game during its last seven games. Jet Greaves is projected to be in net for Columbus. He is 11-1-2 in his last 14 appearances with a 2.25 GAA and .910 save percentage, while Dan Vladar is likely to be in goal for Philadelphia. He has posted a 23-11-7 record with a 2.41 GAA and .908 save percentage. Take the UNDER.