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+.<\/p>\n
Sign up for ESPN+ today<\/a> to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.<\/p>\n Ahead of watching this matchup, here’s our prediction for which squad will take home the victory in Thursday’s hockey action.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Predictions for Thursday<\/p>\n Our computer model for this matchup predicts a final score of Blue Jackets 4, Panthers 3.<\/p>\n Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-115) Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.<\/a><\/p>\n Blue Jackets Splits and Trends<\/p>\n The Blue Jackets have a 31-21-8 record overall, with a 10-8-18 record in matchups that have required overtime. The Panthers have a record of 30-28-3 this season and are 6-3-9 in overtime matchups. Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today<\/a> and see your team live.<\/p>\n Team Stats Comparison<\/p>\n Blue Jackets vs. Panthers Game Time and TV Channel<\/p>\n When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET
\nTotal Pick: No Pick – Predicted Margin Negligible
\nSpread Pick: Panthers (+1.5)<\/p>\n
\nIn the 24 games Columbus has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 10-7-7 record (good for 27 points).
\nThe 11 times this season the Blue Jackets finished a game with only one goal, they went 2-7-2 (six points).
\nColumbus has lost all eight games this season when it scored two goals.
\nThe Blue Jackets have scored three or more goals in 39 games (29-4-6, 64 points).
\nIn the 17 games when Columbus has capitalized on a lone power-play goal, it went 11-3-3 to record 25 points.
\nIn the 33 games when it outshot its opponent, Columbus is 18-11-4 (40 points).
\nThe Blue Jackets have been outshot by opponents 26 times, and went 13-9-4 (30 points).
\nPanthers Splits and Trends<\/p>\n
\nFlorida has earned 26 points (12-5-2) in its 19 games decided by one goal.
\nThis season the Panthers recorded only one goal in 15 games and have gone 2-12-1 (five points).
\nFlorida has six points (2-7-2) when scoring exactly two goals this season.
\nThe Panthers have scored more than two goals in 34 games, earning 52 points from those contests.
\nThis season, Florida has recorded a single power-play goal in 24 games and picked up 25 points with a record of 12-11-1.
\nWhen it outshoots its opponent this season, Florida has posted a record of 19-18-3 (41 points).
\nThe Panthers have been outshot by opponents in 21 games, going 11-10-0 to register 22 points.<\/p>\n
\nTV Channel: ESPN+
\nLive Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+<\/a>
\nWhere: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio<\/p>\n