The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-21-8) host the Florida Panthers (30-28-3, losers of three straight) at Nationwide Arena. The game on Thursday, March 5 begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

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Ahead of watching this matchup, here’s our prediction for which squad will take home the victory in Thursday’s hockey action.

The Panthers have a 2-8-0 record during their last 10 games. They have scored 28 total goals (nine power-play goals on 39 power-play opportunities during that span, for a conversion rate of 23.1%) while giving up 36 goals to their opponents.

Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Predictions for Thursday

Our computer model for this matchup predicts a final score of Blue Jackets 4, Panthers 3.

Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-115)
Total Pick: No Pick – Predicted Margin Negligible
Spread Pick: Panthers (+1.5)

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Blue Jackets Splits and Trends

The Blue Jackets have a 31-21-8 record overall, with a 10-8-18 record in matchups that have required overtime.
In the 24 games Columbus has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 10-7-7 record (good for 27 points).
The 11 times this season the Blue Jackets finished a game with only one goal, they went 2-7-2 (six points).
Columbus has lost all eight games this season when it scored two goals.
The Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals in 39 games (29-4-6, 64 points).
In the 17 games when Columbus has capitalized on a lone power-play goal, it went 11-3-3 to record 25 points.
In the 33 games when it outshot its opponent, Columbus is 18-11-4 (40 points).
The Blue Jackets have been outshot by opponents 26 times, and went 13-9-4 (30 points).
Panthers Splits and Trends

The Panthers have a record of 30-28-3 this season and are 6-3-9 in overtime matchups.
Florida has earned 26 points (12-5-2) in its 19 games decided by one goal.
This season the Panthers recorded only one goal in 15 games and have gone 2-12-1 (five points).
Florida has six points (2-7-2) when scoring exactly two goals this season.
The Panthers have scored more than two goals in 34 games, earning 52 points from those contests.
This season, Florida has recorded a single power-play goal in 24 games and picked up 25 points with a record of 12-11-1.
When it outshoots its opponent this season, Florida has posted a record of 19-18-3 (41 points).
The Panthers have been outshot by opponents in 21 games, going 11-10-0 to register 22 points.

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Team Stats Comparison

Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Game Time and TV Channel

When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPN+
Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
Where: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio

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