The Columbus Blue Jackets (1-3) square off against the Tampa Bay Lightning (1-2-2) at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with both teams fresh off of a loss. The Blue Jackets fell to the Colorado Avalanche 4-1 in their most recent outing, while the Lightning are coming off a 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Here is our pick for who will capture the win in Saturday’s game.

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Predictions for Saturday

Our computer projection model for this contest calls for a final result of Blue Jackets 4, Lightning 3.

Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-117)
Total Pick: Under 6.5 (computer predicts 6.2 goals on average)
Spread Pick: Lightning (+1.5)

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Blue Jackets Splits and Trends

The Blue Jackets were 10-9-19 in overtime games as part of a 40-33-9 overall record last season.
Columbus was 7-7-8 (22 points) in its 22 games decided by one goal.
In the seven games last season the Blue Jackets registered just one goal, they finished 0-5-2 (two points).
Columbus scored exactly two goals in 15 games last season (4-10-1 record, nine points).
The Blue Jackets scored at least three goals in 51 games (36-11-4, 76 points).
In the 28 games when Columbus recorded a lone power-play goal, it picked up 38 points by finishing 18-8-2.
In the 34 games when it outshot its opponent, Columbus was 18-12-4 (40 points).
The Blue Jackets were outshot by their opponent in 41 games, going 19-17-5 to register 43 points.
Lightning Splits and Trends

The Lightning have a 1-2-2 record this season and are -2-2 in matchups that have needed overtime.
In the four games Tampa Bay has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up four points.
This season the Lightning scored just one goal in one game and they lost in overtime.
Tampa Bay lost in overtime in its only game this season when it has scored two goals.
The Lightning have scored three or more goals three times, posting two total points across those games.
Tampa Bay has scored a single power-play goal in one game this season and lost in overtime.
When it outshoots opponents, Tampa Bay is 0-0-1 (one point) this season.
The Lightning’s opponents have had more shots in four games. The Lightning finished 1-2-1 in those contests (three points).

Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

Team Stats Comparison (2024-25)

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Game Time and TV Channel

Sign up for ESPN+ to watch the Blue Jackets square off against Lightning.